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
Keep these in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025
These breads usually rely mainly on commercial yeast and may include ingredients added to control texture and extend shelf life.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 26 Dec. 2025
These modules have a 25-year shelf life, and the countdown has already begun.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Dec. 2025
What to look for in a quality menstrual cup for a high cervix
Menstrual cups for a high cervix typically are composed of latex, silicone or thermoplastic elastomer, also known as TPE. TPE has the longest shelf life of these materials, but latex and silicone can also be long-lasting and durable.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Dec. 2025
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Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025
These breads usually rely mainly on commercial yeast and may include ingredients added to control texture and extend shelf life.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 26 Dec. 2025
These modules have a 25-year shelf life, and the countdown has already begun.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Dec. 2025
What to look for in a quality menstrual cup for a high cervix
Menstrual cups for a high cervix typically are composed of latex, silicone or thermoplastic elastomer, also known as TPE. TPE has the longest shelf life of these materials, but latex and silicone can also be long-lasting and durable.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 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 5 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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