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
Past research has found that a strong sense of meaning in life comes with many health benefits, including a longer lifespan.
—
Ron Shachar, Scientific American, 7 Mar. 2025
One thing to know about Woot, however, is that deals there have a short lifespan, sometimes products only being available for a few hours.
—Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 7 Mar. 2025
According to the Associated Press, which cites the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, the average llama lifespan is 15 years — which Whitetop has nearly doubled at this point.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
The school’s lifespan chronicles the changes the Wilmore neighborhood has seen since its own inception in 1906 by the Suburban Real Estate Company, the landmark commission notes.
—Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2025
The average human lifespan is approximately 28,854 days.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025
All of those are potentially powerful—but understudied—influences on lifespan.
—Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 25 Feb. 2025
Yet, as history has shown, companies that rush tend to burn out—Fortune 500 companies have witnessed their lifespans shrink dramatically over recent decades, a sobering reminder of the costs of haste.
—Nell Derick Debevoise, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
All of this should result in a much safer crossing and it is expected to have a lifespan of 100 years.
—Adam Williams, New Atlas, 23 Feb. 2025
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Ron Shachar, Scientific American, 7 Mar. 2025
One thing to know about Woot, however, is that deals there have a short lifespan, sometimes products only being available for a few hours.
—Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 7 Mar. 2025
According to the Associated Press, which cites the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, the average llama lifespan is 15 years — which Whitetop has nearly doubled at this point.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
The school’s lifespan chronicles the changes the Wilmore neighborhood has seen since its own inception in 1906 by the Suburban Real Estate Company, the landmark commission notes.
—Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2025
The average human lifespan is approximately 28,854 days.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025
All of those are potentially powerful—but understudied—influences on lifespan.
—Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 25 Feb. 2025
Yet, as history has shown, companies that rush tend to burn out—Fortune 500 companies have witnessed their lifespans shrink dramatically over recent decades, a sobering reminder of the costs of haste.
—Nell Derick Debevoise, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
All of this should result in a much safer crossing and it is expected to have a lifespan of 100 years.
—Adam Williams, New Atlas, 23 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
life span
noun1
: 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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