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
High sugar content helps extend shelf life, with sugar as a natural preservative that inhibits the growth of microorganisms.
—
Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 12 Feb. 2026
Proper storage helps prevent sprouting and extends garlic’s shelf life.
—Caitlin Beale, Health, 11 Feb. 2026
In the days and weeks after, the company may continue to amplify the ad with social media posts and campaigns to extend its shelf life.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
When Kendrick Lamar released To Pimp a Butterfly in the spring of that same year, its shelf life wasn’t contingent upon its ability to penetrate a constantly shifting algorithm.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shelf life
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Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 12 Feb. 2026
Proper storage helps prevent sprouting and extends garlic’s shelf life.
—Caitlin Beale, Health, 11 Feb. 2026
In the days and weeks after, the company may continue to amplify the ad with social media posts and campaigns to extend its shelf life.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
When Kendrick Lamar released To Pimp a Butterfly in the spring of that same year, its shelf life wasn’t contingent upon its ability to penetrate a constantly shifting algorithm.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 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 17 Feb. 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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