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
Examples of lifespan in a Sentence
the average lifespan of house cats
increase the human lifespan
Recent Examples on the Web
The House Settlement, will in part, permit each school to share roughly $20.5 million with its athletes via NIL deals next academic year -- a figure that is expected to steadily rise during the 10-year lifespan of the settlement.
—
Michael Rueda, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Other Ways to Promote Longevity While diet is vital to longevity, other health parameters can encourage a longer lifespan.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 1 Apr. 2025
Extending a garment’s lifespan is one of the most effective ways to curb fashion’s carbon footprint.
—Hugo Kimber, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
At the end of its lifespan, its facade panels will be returned to the manufacturer as part of an agreement.
—Adam Williams, New Atlas, 24 Mar. 2025
The typical lifespan of a vessel is between 20-30 years.
—Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2025
The new design promises a 100-year lifespan, using wider concrete barriers to impede saltwater from corroding the bridge's steel.
—Yacob Reyes, Axios, 24 Mar. 2025
The average healthy dog has a lifespan of 10 to 13 years, Rover said, and a cat can average 12 to 18 years, though some can live for 20.
—Betty Lin-Fisher, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2025
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Michael Rueda, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Other Ways to Promote Longevity While diet is vital to longevity, other health parameters can encourage a longer lifespan.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 1 Apr. 2025
Extending a garment’s lifespan is one of the most effective ways to curb fashion’s carbon footprint.
—Hugo Kimber, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
At the end of its lifespan, its facade panels will be returned to the manufacturer as part of an agreement.
—Adam Williams, New Atlas, 24 Mar. 2025
The typical lifespan of a vessel is between 20-30 years.
—Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2025
The new design promises a 100-year lifespan, using wider concrete barriers to impede saltwater from corroding the bridge's steel.
—Yacob Reyes, Axios, 24 Mar. 2025
The average healthy dog has a lifespan of 10 to 13 years, Rover said, and a cat can average 12 to 18 years, though some can live for 20.
—Betty Lin-Fisher, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share