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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
Look for the total number of colony-forming units (CFUs) listed by the expiration or use-by date to ensure the product delivers viable bacteria throughout its shelf life.
—
Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2025
The desiccant absorbs moisture, ensuring product performance is maintained for the validated shelf life.
—
Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
They’re also typically refined further to strip them of any funky flavors and increase their shelf life and stability (more on this below).
—
Erica Sloan, SELF, 13 Jan. 2025
Better yet, for the longest shelf life, store the seeds in the freezer or refrigerator.
—
Annie Peterson, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2025
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Word History
First Known Use
1927, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near shelf life
Cite this Entry
“Shelf life.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf%20life. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
shelf life
noun
: the period of time something may be stored and still be good enough to use
Medical 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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