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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
The intrigue: Punxsutawney Groundhog Club members insist there has only been one Phil since the tradition began nearly 140 years ago — at least 15 times the typical lifespan of a groundhog raised in captivity.
—
Chrissy Suttles, Axios, 2 Feb. 2025
The landscape an integral part of the wellness experience—the Nicoya Peninsula is one of the world’s five Blue Zones where lifespans and health spans exceed the norm.
—
Devorah Lev-Tov, AFAR Media, 31 Jan. 2025
Preventing the Gap However, closing the health span/lifespan gap is not just about cutting-edge technologies.
—
Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 30 Jan. 2025
Battery lifespan increasedthe most when a battery cell discharges its capacity between 4 and 5 hours of continuous use—a C-rate between C/4 and C/5.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 29 Jan. 2025
In a dire scenario—the deepest depths of the abyss—average lifespans in the U.S. could decline, as older people more often fall sick, and more children under 5 die.
—
Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2025
Following a more heart-healthy diet can lead to other benefits, such as a longer, healthier lifespan.
—
Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 27 Jan. 2025
Moreover, disposal of plastic turf is problematic because of an average eight-to-10-year lifespan.
—
Cindy Russell, The Mercury News, 25 Jan. 2025
These long lifespans not only save costs but also reduce environmental impact by minimizing waste.
—
Lauren Carpenter, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
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Word History
First Known Use
1831, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Dictionary Entries Near lifespan
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
life span
noun
: the average length of life of a living thing or of the persistence of a material object under specified circumstances or in a particular environment
Medical 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
More from Merriam-Webster on lifespan
Britannica English: Translation of lifespan for Arabic Speakers
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