shelf life
noun
: the period of time during which a material may be stored and remain suitable for use
broadly
: the period of time during which something lasts or remains popular
Examples of shelf life in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While the more conductive nanotubes weren’t stable, the discovery may point the way toward something with a longer shelf life.
—
ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026
Suet has a short shelf life, so don’t save it for the next season.
—Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2026
The eating pattern has crossed into mainstream wellness, which means its cultural shelf life extends well beyond any drug cycle.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2026
By April and May, the shelf life decreases.
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
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ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026
Suet has a short shelf life, so don’t save it for the next season.
—Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2026
The eating pattern has crossed into mainstream wellness, which means its cultural shelf life extends well beyond any drug cycle.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2026
By April and May, the shelf life decreases.
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shelf life
Cite this Entry
“Shelf life.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf%20life. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
shelf life
noun
: the period of time during which a material (as a food or drug) may be stored and remain suitable for use
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