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
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.
Tip Avoid curing acorn, delicata, or sweet dumpling squash, as this can actually shorten their shelf life. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025 Che and Nya could theoretically return at some point, should And Just Like That maintain a longer shelf life. Nick Romano, EW.com, 3 Jan. 2025 Most personal information was private, and anything damaging that did make it into the public eye had a temporary shelf life. Chad Angle, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 And in 1992, three years after the director’s death, Touchstone Home Video released A Woman Under the Influence on VHS, greatly extending its shelf life. Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shelf life 

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shelf life was in 1927

Dictionary Entries Near shelf life

Cite this Entry

“Shelf life.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf%20life. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

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