lifespan

noun

life·​span ˈlīf-ˌspan How to pronounce lifespan (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifespan was in 1831

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

noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on lifespan

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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