B2nounsciencehealth
US/ˈlaɪf.spæn/
UK/ˈlaɪf.spæn/
the length of time that a person, animal or thing lives or lasts
In context
The average lifespan of a house mouse is only about two years.
Better healthcare has increased the human lifespan in most countries.
This battery has a lifespan of about five years under normal use.
Words that go with lifespan
adjective + noun
- average lifespanThe average lifespan in the region has risen to 78 years.
- human lifespanThe human lifespan has doubled in the past two centuries.
- long lifespanTortoises are known for their long lifespan.
verb + noun
- extend the lifespanRegular exercise may extend your lifespan.
- shorten the lifespanSmoking can shorten the lifespan by ten years or more.
noun + preposition
- lifespan ofThe lifespan of a typical smartphone is about three years.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
the life span of the dogCorrect: the lifespan of the dog