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
Adding to this context, engineering manager Roel Verhoeven noted that the primary hurdle for commercial fusion is ensuring that plants can actually be serviced throughout their operational lifespans.
—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
4 July 2026
The records that reveal how governments and public figures make decisions are now born in email, chat apps and cloud documents, often inside proprietary systems whose lifespans are measured in product cycles.
—
Steven Melendez,
Scientific American,
2 July 2026
Personal health, lifespan, cash flow needs, and uncertain politics are crucial factors.
—
Steve Vernon,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
While proper care and a regular cleaning schedule can help extend a mattress’s lifespan, there are some common everyday habits that can, alternatively, shorten it.
—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
1 July 2026
Maintaining blinds helps reduce allergens, such as dust and pollen, that can affect the indoor air quality of your home, extends their overall lifespan and functionality, and improves the overall appearance of the interior of your home.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
1 July 2026
Because of that, these hands suffer from high production costs, poor durability against impacts, short operational lifespans, and there are no existing solutions that engineers can readily draw upon, Wang added.
—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
30 June 2026
Plan for the full lifespan, since hens live five to ten years but only lay productively for two or three.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Sacbee.com,
30 June 2026
Before investing in a new AC system, compare the potential energy savings against the purchase price, repair history and expected lifespan of your existing equipment.
—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
30 June 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
4 July 2026
The records that reveal how governments and public figures make decisions are now born in email, chat apps and cloud documents, often inside proprietary systems whose lifespans are measured in product cycles.
—
Steven Melendez,
Scientific American,
2 July 2026
Personal health, lifespan, cash flow needs, and uncertain politics are crucial factors.
—
Steve Vernon,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
While proper care and a regular cleaning schedule can help extend a mattress’s lifespan, there are some common everyday habits that can, alternatively, shorten it.
—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
1 July 2026
Maintaining blinds helps reduce allergens, such as dust and pollen, that can affect the indoor air quality of your home, extends their overall lifespan and functionality, and improves the overall appearance of the interior of your home.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
1 July 2026
Because of that, these hands suffer from high production costs, poor durability against impacts, short operational lifespans, and there are no existing solutions that engineers can readily draw upon, Wang added.
—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
30 June 2026
Plan for the full lifespan, since hens live five to ten years but only lay productively for two or three.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Sacbee.com,
30 June 2026
Before investing in a new AC system, compare the potential energy savings against the purchase price, repair history and expected lifespan of your existing equipment.
—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
30 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
lifespan
noun
variants
also life span
1
: 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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