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lifespan
noun
life·span
ˈlīf-ˌspan
variants
or less commonly life span
plural lifespans also life-spans
1
: the average length of life of a kind of organism or of a material object especially in a particular environment or under specified circumstances
2
: the duration of existence of an individual
Synonyms
Examples of lifespan in a Sentence
the average lifespan of house cats
increase the human lifespan
Recent Examples on the Web
This durability not only extends the lifespan of the products but also preserves their vibrant color brightness, contrast, and sheen.
—Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 4 Nov. 2024
Given their longer lifespans, women have additional healthcare costs to consider during retirement, estimated to be $165,000 on average, according to Fidelity Investments.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 2 Nov. 2024
Feeding flies rapamycin significantly extended their lifespan compared to those fed a control.
—New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2024
The 10 Best Leather Cleaners of 2024 How Often Should You Clean Leather Clothes?
Leather goods, including bags, billfolds and wallets, belts, footwear, and clothing should be cleaned regularly, as routine cleaning and conditioning will significantly extend the lifespan of leather pieces.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2024
And recent research gives scientists a further glimpse into their lifespans, indicating that selachians (the group that includes all sharks) originated in benthic or benthopelagic habitats before expanding into the pelagic zone around 122.6 million years ago.
—Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Photo : Neil Fraser, courtesy of RM Sotheby's Fewer than 7,500 examples of the Alpine A110 were made throughout the model’s lifespan.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 2024
Psychologically, individuals go through seven-year blocks of change throughout their lifespan.
—Myisha Battle, TIME, 31 Oct. 2024
Moreover, hornets fed with 80 percent ethanol lived out their typical three-month-long lifespan; their honeybee counterparts died within 24 hours.
—Rachel Berkowitz, Scientific American, 24 Oct. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1831, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Dictionary Entries Near lifespan
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
life span
noun
: the average length of life of a living thing or of the persistence of a material object under specified circumstances or in a particular environment
Medical Definition
life span
noun1
: the duration of existence of an individual
2
: the average length of life of a kind of organism or of a material object especially in a particular environment or under specified circumstances
More from Merriam-Webster on lifespan
Britannica English: Translation of lifespan for Arabic Speakers
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