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
Holiday decor has a much shorter shelf life than more general seasonal decor.
—
Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 5 Jan. 2026
Exposure to direct sunlight or high temperatures can cause squash to ripen too quickly, shortening its shelf life.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
Keeping skincare and makeup in a bathroom with poor ventilation can shorten their shelf life due to heat and steam.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 30 Dec. 2025
Real sourdough bread has a short shelf life without preservatives.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 26 Dec. 2025
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Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 5 Jan. 2026
Exposure to direct sunlight or high temperatures can cause squash to ripen too quickly, shortening its shelf life.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
Keeping skincare and makeup in a bathroom with poor ventilation can shorten their shelf life due to heat and steam.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 30 Dec. 2025
Real sourdough bread has a short shelf life without preservatives.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 26 Dec. 2025
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 7 Jan. 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
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