noun
Uncommon
lifespan
LYF-span
Lifespan (noun) means the length of time an organism typically lives. Example: “The average human lifespan has increased over the last century.”
noun
1
The length of time an organism typically lives.
"The average human lifespan has increased over the last century."
"A housefly has a lifespan of just a few weeks."
2
The length of time something remains useful, valid, or in existence.
"The phone's battery has a lifespan of about three years."
How to use lifespan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow long something lives or lasts, from beginning to end.
Common pairings
average lifespan
extend the lifespan
shorten the lifespan
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Word forms
- Plural
- lifespans
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The average human _____ has increased over the last century.
Etymology
A compound of life + span, describing the "span" or stretch of time a life or object lasts.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “lifespan” mean?
The word “lifespan” means the length of time an organism typically lives. In plain terms, how long something lives or lasts, from beginning to end.
How do you pronounce “lifespan”?
“Lifespan” is pronounced LYF-span (/ˈlaɪf.spæn/ in IPA).
How do you use “lifespan” in a sentence?
Here is “lifespan” used in a sentence: “The average human lifespan has increased over the last century.”
What part of speech is “lifespan”?
“Lifespan” is a noun.
Is “lifespan” a common word?
“Lifespan” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “lifespan” have?
“Lifespan” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the length of time an organism typically lives.
