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
Falcon Heavy may have a limited lifespan in the coming years as SpaceX continues to develop the new Starship and Super Heavy rocket, which would take over the heavy-lift responsibilities for Falcon Heavy.
—
Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
But recent studies in yeast, flies and mice showed that relatively low doses of the drug often increase the creatures’ lifespans, prompting many longevity enthusiasts to start using it off-label to extend their lifespans.
—Gretchen Reynolds, Washington Post, 29 Apr. 2026
Yet while the typical lifespan has risen, healthy life expectancy — the number of years a person can live in full health — hasn’t kept pace.
—Bryan T. Kelly, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
Storing your clothes properly can prevent damage, preserve their quality, and extend their lifespan.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 28 Apr. 2026
In these systems, the active materials tend to degrade and leak through the membrane, a process that rapidly wears out the battery and limits its practical lifespan.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026
This design extends the product’s lifespan while reducing waste, offering a more sustainable alternative without adding complexity.
—Jon Stojan, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
That’s the difference between lifespan and healthspan.
—Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
The damage may slash the structure’s expected 100-year lifespan and delay critical dismantling of the underlying Soviet-era sarcophagus, potentially escalating radiation risks.
—Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
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Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
But recent studies in yeast, flies and mice showed that relatively low doses of the drug often increase the creatures’ lifespans, prompting many longevity enthusiasts to start using it off-label to extend their lifespans.
—Gretchen Reynolds, Washington Post, 29 Apr. 2026
Yet while the typical lifespan has risen, healthy life expectancy — the number of years a person can live in full health — hasn’t kept pace.
—Bryan T. Kelly, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
Storing your clothes properly can prevent damage, preserve their quality, and extend their lifespan.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 28 Apr. 2026
In these systems, the active materials tend to degrade and leak through the membrane, a process that rapidly wears out the battery and limits its practical lifespan.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026
This design extends the product’s lifespan while reducing waste, offering a more sustainable alternative without adding complexity.
—Jon Stojan, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
That’s the difference between lifespan and healthspan.
—Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
The damage may slash the structure’s expected 100-year lifespan and delay critical dismantling of the underlying Soviet-era sarcophagus, potentially escalating radiation risks.
—Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 1 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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