lifespan
noun
life·span
ˈlīf-ˌspan 
variants
or less commonly life span
plural lifespans also life-spans
1
: the average length of life of a kind of organism or of a material object especially in a particular environment or under specified circumstances
2
: the duration of existence of an individual
Examples of lifespan in a Sentence
the average lifespan of house cats
increase the human lifespan
Recent Examples on the Web
Over time, daily consumption of fast food can fuel chronic inflammation, worsen mental and physical well-being, and may even shorten lifespan.
—
Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 29 Dec. 2025
Washable slipcovers in lighthearted new fabrics perk up old upholstery and give the furniture a longer lifespan.
—Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025
Indigenous people have shorter lifespans than other Canadians.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 27 Dec. 2025
Extends the lifespan of the septic system.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Dec. 2025
This phenomenon can pose safety risks and shorten the battery’s lifespan.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Dec. 2025
But in its short lifespan, Vine defined an era of internet culture, creating celebrities like King Bach, Lele Pons, Shawn Mendez, and Rudy Mancuso and minting catchphrases, slang, and memes that are still in rotation today.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 24 Dec. 2025
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the average lifespan for female killer whales is about 50 years.
—Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
But experts caution that a daily glass of OJ on its own is unlikely to meaningfully improve heart health or extend lifespan.
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 18 Dec. 2025
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Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 29 Dec. 2025
Washable slipcovers in lighthearted new fabrics perk up old upholstery and give the furniture a longer lifespan.
—Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025
Indigenous people have shorter lifespans than other Canadians.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 27 Dec. 2025
Extends the lifespan of the septic system.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Dec. 2025
This phenomenon can pose safety risks and shorten the battery’s lifespan.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Dec. 2025
But in its short lifespan, Vine defined an era of internet culture, creating celebrities like King Bach, Lele Pons, Shawn Mendez, and Rudy Mancuso and minting catchphrases, slang, and memes that are still in rotation today.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 24 Dec. 2025
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the average lifespan for female killer whales is about 50 years.
—Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
But experts caution that a daily glass of OJ on its own is unlikely to meaningfully improve heart health or extend lifespan.
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 18 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
lifespan
noun
variants
also life span
1
: the duration of existence of an individual
2
: the average length of life of a kind of organism or of a material object especially in a particular environment or under specified circumstances
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