English Reference
noun

lifespan

n.
US /ˈɫaɪfˌspæn/ UK /lˈaɪfspæn/ life·span UK spelling lifespans

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    the length of time that a person, animal, or plant usually lives.

    the period of time between the birth and death of a biological organism.

    Simple

    The average lifespan of a domestic cat is around fifteen years.

    In context

    Advances in medical technology and public health have significantly extended the human lifespan in most developed nations over the last century.

    life expectancylongevity
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the length of time that a machine or product stays useful or works correctly.

    the period during which an inanimate object, system, or concept remains functional, valid, or relevant.

    Simple

    Using the wrong charger can shorten the lifespan of your phone battery.

    In context

    The architectural firm designed the bridge with a projected lifespan of one hundred years, accounting for both material fatigue and rising sea levels.

    durabilityservice life

That difference allows researchers to observe aging and lifespan outcomes in dogs much more quickly than would be possible in human studies.

ScienceDaily· 29 Aug 2026

Scientists know far less about the gradual changes that occur in a healthy brain across an individual's normal lifespan.

ScienceDaily· 1 Aug 2026

From life + span.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated