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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
These foods may contain preservatives that extend shelf life.
—Alice Callahan, New York Times, 6 May 2024
Additives are ingredients added by manufacturers to stimulate appetite and extend shelf life.
—Parija Kavilanz and Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shelf life
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shelf life.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1927, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near shelf life
Cite this Entry
“Shelf life.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf%20life. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Kids Definition
shelf life
noun
: the period of time something may be stored and still be good enough to use
Medical 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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