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

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."

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 notes

In plain EnglishHow long something lives or lasts, from beginning to end.

Common pairings

average lifespan extend the lifespan shorten the lifespan

lifespans plural

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The average human _____ has increased over the last century.

A compound of life + span, describing the "span" or stretch of time a life or object lasts.

life lifetime life-time

life age existence lifetime

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.

life age existence lifetime