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
Winning a Tony Award can significantly extend a production's Broadway lifespan, though plenty of shows have survived — and even thrived — without nominations or wins thanks to strong word of mouth, tourist interest, or dedicated fan support.
—
Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026
The bridge will have 230 feet of clearance above the federal channel and will have a lifespan of 100 years.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 May 2026
High heat causes coatings to degrade faster and shortens the lifespan of the pan dramatically.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
But experts caution that many of these treatments are expensive, not covered by insurance and not yet proven to extend lifespan.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 18 May 2026
Experts caution, however, that many of these treatments are expensive, not covered by insurance and not yet proven to extend lifespan.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 May 2026
These choices can have a powerful effect on your health and lifespan.
—Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 15 May 2026
In fact, a Finnish study found that stress can reduce a person’s lifespan by nearly three years.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 May 2026
This will put stress on the motor, which may reduce its lifespan and the appliance's, eventually leading to failure and the need for a premature replacement.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 14 May 2026
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Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026
The bridge will have 230 feet of clearance above the federal channel and will have a lifespan of 100 years.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 May 2026
High heat causes coatings to degrade faster and shortens the lifespan of the pan dramatically.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
But experts caution that many of these treatments are expensive, not covered by insurance and not yet proven to extend lifespan.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 18 May 2026
Experts caution, however, that many of these treatments are expensive, not covered by insurance and not yet proven to extend lifespan.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 May 2026
These choices can have a powerful effect on your health and lifespan.
—Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 15 May 2026
In fact, a Finnish study found that stress can reduce a person’s lifespan by nearly three years.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 May 2026
This will put stress on the motor, which may reduce its lifespan and the appliance's, eventually leading to failure and the need for a premature replacement.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 22 May. 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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