life span

American  

noun

1. the longest period over which the life of any organism or species may extend, according to the available biological knowledge concerning it.

2. the longevity of an individual.

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life span British  

noun

1. the period of time during which a human being, animal, machine, etc, may be expected to live or function under normal conditions

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Etymology

Origin of life span

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Unlike oil, there are no strategic fertilizer reserves, partly because they have a relatively short life span of about three to five months.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

These burrow-dwelling rats have a maximum life span of nearly 40 years, making them the world's longest-lived rodent.

From BBC • Oct. 9, 2025

Technological advances may turn back aging, extending the average life span by at least a decade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 3, 2025

But subsequent analyses show this variant is not necessary or sufficient to extend life span.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 20, 2024

Rage blazed up in him often, but its atoms were too active for preservation and its life span was brief like the kick and the flame of an afterburner in his father’s F-8.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy