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
Manufacturers use these ingredients to speed up production and extend shelf life.
—
Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 4 Apr. 2026
That reality, combined with the short shelf life the job has had under Trump, could narrow the field further.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 3 Apr. 2026
They’ve been chemically modified and often filled with harmful additives to enhance the taste, texture, appearance or shelf life of a product.
—Linh Tat, Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026
Parabens Parabens are chemical preservatives that help prolong the shelf life of deodorants and other skincare products by preventing mold and bacterial growth.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
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Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 4 Apr. 2026
That reality, combined with the short shelf life the job has had under Trump, could narrow the field further.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 3 Apr. 2026
They’ve been chemically modified and often filled with harmful additives to enhance the taste, texture, appearance or shelf life of a product.
—Linh Tat, Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026
Parabens Parabens are chemical preservatives that help prolong the shelf life of deodorants and other skincare products by preventing mold and bacterial growth.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 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 6 Apr. 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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