lifespan

noun

life·​span ˈlīf-ˌspan How to pronounce lifespan (audio)
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
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.
Frequent bouts of rheumatic fever left the kid’s heart so weakened that one childhood doctor predicted a lifespan of 16 years. Greg Evans, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2025 Vegan leather made from plastic often have the a shorter lifespan, ending up in landfill or in donation centers faster than their real animal sibling. Gia Yetikyel, Vogue, 26 Apr. 2025 According to Grand View Research, the industry was valued at over $50 billion in 2024 and is projected to continue growing as aging populations seek to extend both lifespan and healthspan. Abdo Riani, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 Key Takeaways Regularly cleaning your garden gloves based on their material type helps extend their lifespan and keeps them protective. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2025 The concept of longevity—extending both lifespan and quality of life through lifestyle practices—has never been more prevalent. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025 De-duplication, lifespan analysis, and automatic HDD firmware updates could also disappear on non-approved drives, Synology's press release suggests. Kevin Purdy, ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 2025 Fueled by a lifetime love of horror, the filmmaker developed a plot that resurrected the life force of the early blues scene and merged it with the intriguing possibilities inherent in a vampire’s eternal lifespan. Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025 Experts note that the general lifespan of landscape turf ranges from 15 to 25 years, depending on the materials used, installation practices, and follow-up care. Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifespan was in 1831

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

life span

noun
: the average length of life of a living thing or of the persistence of a material object under specified circumstances or in a particular environment

Medical Definition

life span

noun
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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