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
With news and sports the last content standing, bringing over some of that more youthful audience could be a way to extend the lifespan of linear TV as executives grapple with a saturated and splintered streaming environment.
—
Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2025
Poor sizing can result in uneven temperatures, higher utility bills, potentially shorter equipment lifespan, and degraded indoor air quality.
—Brynn Cooksey, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
In a matter of seconds, the average GRB can release as much energy as the sun has generated during its entire 10-billion-year lifespan.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 July 2025
The two companies put $464 million at risk to ensure medical cost targets are met over the contract’s five-year lifespan.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2025
Desert tortoises can live for decades, with a lifespan of up to 70 years in the wild and up to 100 years in captivity.
—Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025
When Bryan Johnson launched his business, Blueprint, the mission was fairly simple: Extend the lifespan of humanity, using the entrepreneur as a guinea pig.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 24 July 2025
Future versions may use wireless power transfer and next-generation electronics, extending the capsule's lifespan and expanding its medical applications.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2025
Recently, two Chinese satellites reportedly docked in high orbit for the first time to allow refueling and servicing, extending their operational lifespan and supporting sustainable long-term operations.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2025
Poor sizing can result in uneven temperatures, higher utility bills, potentially shorter equipment lifespan, and degraded indoor air quality.
—Brynn Cooksey, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
In a matter of seconds, the average GRB can release as much energy as the sun has generated during its entire 10-billion-year lifespan.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 July 2025
The two companies put $464 million at risk to ensure medical cost targets are met over the contract’s five-year lifespan.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2025
Desert tortoises can live for decades, with a lifespan of up to 70 years in the wild and up to 100 years in captivity.
—Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025
When Bryan Johnson launched his business, Blueprint, the mission was fairly simple: Extend the lifespan of humanity, using the entrepreneur as a guinea pig.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 24 July 2025
Future versions may use wireless power transfer and next-generation electronics, extending the capsule's lifespan and expanding its medical applications.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2025
Recently, two Chinese satellites reportedly docked in high orbit for the first time to allow refueling and servicing, extending their operational lifespan and supporting sustainable long-term operations.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
life span
noun1
: 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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