longevity

noun

lon·​gev·​i·​ty län-ˈje-və-tē How to pronounce longevity (audio)
lȯn-
1
a
: a long duration of individual life
The members of that family are noted for their longevity.
b
: length of life
a study of longevity
2
: long continuance : permanence, durability
longevity in office is also an assetSpencer Parratt

Did you know?

As living conditions improve and the science of medicine advances, the longevity of the average American has increased greatly, from about 45 years in 1900 to over 75 years today. But the most impressive human longevity is nothing compared to the 400-year lifespan of an ocean clam found near Iceland, or the 5,000-year lifespan of the bristlecone pine, a tree found in the western U.S. We may use longevity to talk not only about actual lives but also of the useful "life" of things: the life of your car's tires or the shingles on your roof, for example.

Examples of longevity in a Sentence

His longevity was remarkable considering he had been so sick when he was a child. Better medical treatment has led to greater longevity. a study of human longevity The longevity of a car's tires depends on how the car is driven. They're trying to increase the product's longevity.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The restaurant industry is, to put it mildly, not famous for its longevity, but that’s not the case in the Big Easy. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 7 Dec. 2024 The longevity of James is impressive but his ability to still perform effectively on the floor is incredible. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024 The very longevity of plastic products also meant that markets for plastic goods were becoming saturated. David Carlin, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 He's put $180 million into Retro Biosciences, which is looking at longevity and how people can live longer. Lauren Goode, WIRED, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for longevity 

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin longaevitas, from Latin longaevus long-lived, from longus long + aevum age — more at aye

First Known Use

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of longevity was in 1569

Dictionary Entries Near longevity

Cite this Entry

“Longevity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/longevity. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

longevity

noun
lon·​gev·​i·​ty län-ˈjev-ət-ē How to pronounce longevity (audio)
lȯn-
1
: long life or continuance
2
: length of life

Medical Definition

longevity

noun
lon·​gev·​i·​ty län-ˈjev-ət-ē, lȯn- How to pronounce longevity (audio)
plural longevities
1
: a long duration of individual life
attributed his longevity to daily exercise and a healthy diet
2
: length of life
studies in longevity
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!