life span
noun
the longest period over which the life of any organism or species may extend, according to the available biological knowledge concerning it.
life spans
-
pluralof life span.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Index retirement ages to current life spans rather than to historic markers set when people died younger.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026
Anyone relying on an inheritance may find that the amount shrinks considerably given seniors’ ever-lengthening life spans.
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 13, 2026
Commonly used software can model how a retiree’s portfolio will hold up in differing market scenarios, given certain rates of spending, tax rates, and life spans.
From Barron's ● Jan. 29, 2026
As “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” come to a close, we look back at 10 past and present soap operas with long life spans.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 15, 2025
It did bother me, though, how those futuristic replicants with their limited, four-year life spans, desperately wanted to live longer.
From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings
