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

• continuance
• date
• duration
• life
• lifetime
• run
• standing
• time

Examples of lifespan in a Sentence

the average lifespan of house cats

increase the human lifespan

Recent Examples on the Web

Fallen eagle was a great role model for eaglet in need, staff say According to the World Bird Sanctuary, the typical lifespan for bald eagles is 20 to 25 years. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025

That accident sparked the antibiotic revolution, extending the average human lifespan by 23 years. —Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

However, there are widespread inhibitions against the use of fast chargers, as they’re widely believed to reduce the total lifespan of an EV battery – although there is currently little data to support the theory. —New Atlas, 20 Mar. 2025

Meanwhile, abundance of Atlantic sturgeon remained very low, which can be explained in part by their lifespan. —Logan Kistler, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2025

This long support window ensures that the Pixel 9a will stay current over its lifespan. —Iyaz Akhtar, PCMAG, 19 Mar. 2025

Blanco hypothesizes that lemurs have developed a mechanism to enhance cellular survival by temporarily extending telomere length, potentially contributing to their longer lifespan compared to non-hibernating primates. —Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 13 Mar. 2025

As a result, the brand has lined up some new licensees in key categories and countries and is working to expand its distribution among big-box sports and outdoors retailers while retaining the specialty stores that have been the backbone of its business for the majority of its lifespan. —Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 10 Mar. 2025

Indeed, some people believe (without proof) that delaying menopause could extend women’s lifespans and healthspans. —Stacey Colino, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for lifespan

• businessman
• canavan
• caravan
• constantan
• dragoman
• fisherman
• handyman
• harmattan
• journeyman
• marianne
• middleman
• minivan

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

noun

ˈlīf-ˌspan 

1

: 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