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
Synonyms
Examples of lifespan in a Sentence
the average lifespan of house cats
increase the human lifespan
Recent Examples on the Web
And the Department of Energy rates geothermal heat pump equipment for a longer lifespan than conventional systems.
—
Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 7 July 2024
General upkeep and cleaning a mattress regularly may also help extend its lifespan.
—Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 3 July 2024
The average lifespan for Americans is around 73 years for men and 79 for women, and financial advisors often model life expectancy for their clients much longer than that.
—Prarthana Prakash, Fortune, 1 July 2024
This selection tells the Royal Oak’s story over its lifespan, and these listings represent the state of the Royal Oak market, as well.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 28 June 2024
But planes, ships and trucks have decades-long lifespans, meaning every vehicle built to use fossil fuels is likely to keep running for a long time.
—Emily Wright, Washington Post, 27 June 2024
Astronomers find these five chapters to be a handy way of conceiving the universe’s incredibly long lifespan.
—Big Think, 24 June 2024
The historic development will change the Detroit skyline for generations, with the bridge's 125-year lifespan complementing traffic on the nearby Ambassador Bridge.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 14 June 2024
After spawning, these fish return to the ocean and normally live a lifespan of 4 to 7 years.
—Max Inchausti, Field & Stream, 12 June 2024
Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 7 July 2024
General upkeep and cleaning a mattress regularly may also help extend its lifespan.
—Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 3 July 2024
The average lifespan for Americans is around 73 years for men and 79 for women, and financial advisors often model life expectancy for their clients much longer than that.
—Prarthana Prakash, Fortune, 1 July 2024
This selection tells the Royal Oak’s story over its lifespan, and these listings represent the state of the Royal Oak market, as well.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 28 June 2024
But planes, ships and trucks have decades-long lifespans, meaning every vehicle built to use fossil fuels is likely to keep running for a long time.
—Emily Wright, Washington Post, 27 June 2024
Astronomers find these five chapters to be a handy way of conceiving the universe’s incredibly long lifespan.
—Big Think, 24 June 2024
The historic development will change the Detroit skyline for generations, with the bridge's 125-year lifespan complementing traffic on the nearby Ambassador Bridge.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 14 June 2024
After spawning, these fish return to the ocean and normally live a lifespan of 4 to 7 years.
—Max Inchausti, Field & Stream, 12 June 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lifespan.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near lifespan
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 14 Jul. 2024.
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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