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
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
Hangar 3 has outlived its design lifespan, said NASA’s Trina Meiser, an architectural historian.
—Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 8 June 2024
In captivity, where staff can determine the cause of death, well over half of male giraffes die from foreleg problems, which shortens their lifespan by 25% compared with females.
—Douglas R. Cavener, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2024
But the Rainbow Bridge is nearing the end of its lifespan after approaching a century of use, and no longer meets today’s traffic demands and state highway safety standards, according to the Idaho Transportation Department.
—Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 3 June 2024
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, 31 May 2024
When taken as a supplement or via food, these antioxidants help decrease in oxidative stress, lower blood pressure, extend the lifespan of skin cells, and maximize collagen production.
—Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 13 June 2024
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
Hangar 3 has outlived its design lifespan, said NASA’s Trina Meiser, an architectural historian.
—Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 8 June 2024
In captivity, where staff can determine the cause of death, well over half of male giraffes die from foreleg problems, which shortens their lifespan by 25% compared with females.
—Douglas R. Cavener, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2024
But the Rainbow Bridge is nearing the end of its lifespan after approaching a century of use, and no longer meets today’s traffic demands and state highway safety standards, according to the Idaho Transportation Department.
—Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 3 June 2024
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, 31 May 2024
When taken as a supplement or via food, these antioxidants help decrease in oxidative stress, lower blood pressure, extend the lifespan of skin cells, and maximize collagen production.
—Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 13 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 2 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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