shelf life
noun
: the period of time during which a material may be stored and remain suitable for use
broadly
: the period of time during which something lasts or remains popular
Examples of shelf life in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These artificial ingredients are often meant to enhance color and flavor, improve consistency, or increase shelf life.
—
Maggie Donahue, Health, 28 Apr. 2026
Chandeliers are Timeless Trendy statement lights tend to have a short shelf life, and the French often embrace interior design trends through accessories like art rather than fixtures.
—Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 27 Apr. 2026
To ensure the most extended shelf life, store your supplements in cool and dark places.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
That often means stone-ground grits have a better flavor, but also a shorter shelf life.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shelf life
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.
Maggie Donahue, Health, 28 Apr. 2026
Chandeliers are Timeless Trendy statement lights tend to have a short shelf life, and the French often embrace interior design trends through accessories like art rather than fixtures.
—Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 27 Apr. 2026
To ensure the most extended shelf life, store your supplements in cool and dark places.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
That often means stone-ground grits have a better flavor, but also a shorter shelf life.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shelf life
Cite this Entry
“Shelf life.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf%20life. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
shelf life
noun
: the period of time during which a material (as a food or drug) may be stored and remain suitable for use
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
