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

Aged cheeses undergo fermentation and drying processes that intensify flavor and extend shelf life, while cottage cheese has a higher moisture content and must be refrigerated to prevent spoilage. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 29 July 2025

Protein-rich seaweed is already naturally imbued with glutamates and needs no further processing, although drying increases the shelf life. —Jeff Burkhart, Mercury News, 23 July 2025

Preservatives are also included to help extend the shelf life of shredded cheese. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 23 July 2025

Cold chain software can protect shelf life by maintaining consistent temperatures. —Ryan Begin, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shelf life

• alewife
• birdlife
• folklife
• housewife
• jackknife
• loosestrife
• midlife
• midwife
• nightlife
• penknife
• wildlife
• afterlife

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