fact of life

noun phrase

1
: something that exists and must be taken into consideration
2
facts of life plural : the fundamental physiological processes and behavior involved in sex and reproduction

Examples of fact of 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.
Like fog in San Francisco, the bura is a fact of life on Pag. Saveur Editors, Saveur, 16 Apr. 2025 In Banff National Park, grizzly bears are a fact of life and a symbol of wilderness. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025 Another fact of life not to be ignored: the increasing dominance of YouTube. Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2025 And at a time when journalism’s demonization by those in power has become a fact of life and death, Velasco’s film is both a risk and a warning cry. Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fact of life

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fact of life was circa 1806

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fact of life.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fact%20of%20life. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

fact of life

noun
1
: something that exists and must be taken into consideration
tests are a fact of life for students
2
plural : the basic bodily processes and behavior involved in sex and reproduction
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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