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
Flower food helps keep bacteria out of the water and extend the lifespan of your cut blooms.
—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 1 June 2025
This proactive approach to pool maintenance ensures a safer swimming environment, clear blue water and extends the overall lifespan of the pool and its equipment.
Many pool cleaners now cater to different water types, preferences and maintenance needs.
—Jené Luciani Sena
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025
The fact that the record has been reset three times in the past five years nods to how the lifespan of a mega-hit changed to account for audience appetites.
—Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 28 May 2025
Combining two cancer drugs has been found to prolong the lifespan of mice—and may help humans age better.
—Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
The project is expected to add over $ 1 billion to the state’s economy over the next 12 years, based on the lifespan of the grant, according to Stein’s office.
—Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025
Coros' new repair program increases the lifespan of your expensive wearable.
—Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 24 May 2025
What’s more, the brand’s low-intervention, additive-free wines stay fresh up to four weeks after opening (which is, generally speaking, about four times the lifespan of a glass bottle).
—Betty Gold Kider, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 May 2025
Throughout the school’s 50-year lifespan, funding was a constant struggle.
—Karida L. Brown, Essence, 21 May 2025
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.
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 1 June 2025
This proactive approach to pool maintenance ensures a safer swimming environment, clear blue water and extends the overall lifespan of the pool and its equipment.
Many pool cleaners now cater to different water types, preferences and maintenance needs.
—Jené Luciani Sena
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025
The fact that the record has been reset three times in the past five years nods to how the lifespan of a mega-hit changed to account for audience appetites.
—Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 28 May 2025
Combining two cancer drugs has been found to prolong the lifespan of mice—and may help humans age better.
—Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
The project is expected to add over $ 1 billion to the state’s economy over the next 12 years, based on the lifespan of the grant, according to Stein’s office.
—Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025
Coros' new repair program increases the lifespan of your expensive wearable.
—Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 24 May 2025
What’s more, the brand’s low-intervention, additive-free wines stay fresh up to four weeks after opening (which is, generally speaking, about four times the lifespan of a glass bottle).
—Betty Gold Kider, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 May 2025
Throughout the school’s 50-year lifespan, funding was a constant struggle.
—Karida L. Brown, Essence, 21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 5 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share