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
For the lifespan of the Irish republic, the government has been led by the two centrist parties, either Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil, with a historic coalition that included the Green Party in 2020.
—
Niamh Kennedy, CNN, 28 Nov. 2024
Water softeners can last 10 to 15 years, and regularly maintaining the appliance will help extend its lifespan.
—Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2024
Keep your dog lean: Obesity in dogs can decrease their lifespan by over two years
Vaccinate and prevent diseases: Check in with your vet about how to best vaccinate your dog.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
An 80-year human lifespan amounts to 29,200 days, which translates into 700,800 hours (life is short; here’s an animation).
—Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
As lifespans have expanded, so have the ways people can describe older people, moving beyond age and physical condition.
—Clara Germani, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Nov. 2024
This durability not only extends the lifespan of the products but also preserves their vibrant color brightness, contrast, and sheen.
—Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 4 Nov. 2024
Given their longer lifespans, women have additional healthcare costs to consider during retirement, estimated to be $165,000 on average, according to Fidelity Investments.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 2 Nov. 2024
Feeding flies rapamycin significantly extended their lifespan compared to those fed a control.
—New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2024
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Niamh Kennedy, CNN, 28 Nov. 2024
Water softeners can last 10 to 15 years, and regularly maintaining the appliance will help extend its lifespan.
—Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2024
Keep your dog lean: Obesity in dogs can decrease their lifespan by over two years
Vaccinate and prevent diseases: Check in with your vet about how to best vaccinate your dog.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
An 80-year human lifespan amounts to 29,200 days, which translates into 700,800 hours (life is short; here’s an animation).
—Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
As lifespans have expanded, so have the ways people can describe older people, moving beyond age and physical condition.
—Clara Germani, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Nov. 2024
This durability not only extends the lifespan of the products but also preserves their vibrant color brightness, contrast, and sheen.
—Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 4 Nov. 2024
Given their longer lifespans, women have additional healthcare costs to consider during retirement, estimated to be $165,000 on average, according to Fidelity Investments.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 2 Nov. 2024
Feeding flies rapamycin significantly extended their lifespan compared to those fed a control.
—New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2024
Dictionary Entries Near lifespan
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 1 Dec. 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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