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
Longevity has already emerged as the new keyword to lead the next wave of wellness, with the number eight eternity sign symbolizing each brand’s mission to help consumers lengthen their lifespans.
—
Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
The fund has a 10-year lifespan, with a five-year investment period followed by a five-year exit strategy.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2025
The filter’s lifespan is maximized by the three layers of protection built around it.
—Clint Davis, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Most often seen in clumps in an oasis, the plant can have a lifespan of 200 years.
—The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
Heavy drinkers had an average 13-year shorter lifespan compared to those who never drank alcohol.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Dry cleaning provides a gentle solution and helps extend their lifespan.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2025
The technique could be quite timely, as the first generation of turbine blades — made in the 90s — are coming to the end of their lifespans.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025
Due to its long lifespan in the Rolex catalog, several variations were made: While earlier examples feature tritium lume, later examples featured LumiNova and then Super-LumiNova.
—Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
The fund has a 10-year lifespan, with a five-year investment period followed by a five-year exit strategy.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2025
The filter’s lifespan is maximized by the three layers of protection built around it.
—Clint Davis, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Most often seen in clumps in an oasis, the plant can have a lifespan of 200 years.
—The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
Heavy drinkers had an average 13-year shorter lifespan compared to those who never drank alcohol.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Dry cleaning provides a gentle solution and helps extend their lifespan.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2025
The technique could be quite timely, as the first generation of turbine blades — made in the 90s — are coming to the end of their lifespans.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025
Due to its long lifespan in the Rolex catalog, several variations were made: While earlier examples feature tritium lume, later examples featured LumiNova and then Super-LumiNova.
—Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 18 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
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