shelf life

noun

: the period of time during which a material may be stored and remain suitable for use

broadly : the period of time during which something lasts or remains popular

Examples of shelf life in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While Brady and Rodgers can play into their 40s, running backs have a much shorter shelf life. —Sean Gregory, TIME, 8 Feb. 2025

Candy might be one of the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts for kids, but unfortunately, their expiration date gives them a short shelf life. —Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 5 Feb. 2025

Refined coconut oil usually has a shorter shelf life than virgin olive oil. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Ld, Health, 4 Feb. 2025

In Dallas or Atlanta, most restaurants like ours would have a six-year shelf life and then have to change concepts. —David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 4 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

shelf life

noun

: the period of time something may be stored and still be good enough to use

Medical Definition

shelf life

noun

ˈshelf-ˌ 

: the period of time during which a material (as a food or drug) may be stored and remain suitable for use