longevity

noun
lon·​gev·​i·​ty | \ län-ˈje-və-tē How to pronounce longevity (audio) , lȯn-\

Definition of longevity

1a : a long duration of individual life The members of that family are noted for their longevity.
b : length of life a study of longevity
2 : long continuance : permanence, durability longevity in office is also an asset— Spencer Parratt

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Did You Know?

As living conditions improve and the science of medicine advances, the longevity of the average American has increased greatly, from about 45 years in 1900 to over 75 years today. But the most impressive human longevity is nothing compared to the 400-year lifespan of an ocean clam found near Iceland, or the 5,000-year lifespan of the bristlecone pine, a tree found in the western U.S. We may use longevity to talk not only about actual lives but also of the useful "life" of things: the life of your car's tires or the shingles on your roof, for example.

Examples of longevity in a Sentence

His longevity was remarkable considering he had been so sick when he was a child. Better medical treatment has led to greater longevity. a study of human longevity The longevity of a car's tires depends on how the car is driven. They're trying to increase the product's longevity.
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Recent Examples on the Web

However, the longevity obviously runs in the family. Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, "‘I never got married’: 107-year-old woman says the secret to a long life is being alone," 1 Aug. 2019 The latter was conducted in 2005 -- the year before the newsman retired -- underscoring his career's staggering longevity. Brian Lowry, CNN, "'Mike Wallace is Here' presents legendary CBS newsman in his own words," 25 July 2019 Bears receivers haven’t had the combination of talent, opportunity and longevity needed to pass Morris, who played his last season in 1967. Will Larkin, chicagotribune.com, "Ranking the 100 best Bears players ever: No. 44 Johnny Morris," 24 July 2019 More than 60 years later, the song remains a staple of the Carnival season, but that longevity never translated into financial success for Art Neville who received no money for it. Rebecca Santana And Kevin Mcgill, azcentral, "Art Neville, member of New Orleans' acclaimed musical family the Neville Brothers, dies," 22 July 2019 But longevity allowed him a career in almost perfect sonata form, with a final period that recapitulated some of the joy of the first without ever trying to evade what had come between. Douglas Murray, National Review, "Michael Tippett’s ‘Timeless Music in Time’," 11 July 2019 There are many ways to measure health, but one stands out as a key to longevity and wellness: blood pressure. Colleen Stinchcombe, Woman's Day, "You Can't Rely On Symptoms When It Comes to High Blood Pressure," 11 July 2019 While these drugs might also extend longevity, experts say that’s a side effect, not the real goal. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Can a single pill keep you healthy to 100?," 10 July 2019 If approved, the deal would create a path to pay parity for starting salaries, but doesn’t require that community center staff get the same increases for longevity that district teachers receive. Leslie Brody, WSJ, "Some New York City Preschool Teachers to Get Pay Bump Under Tentative Union Deal," 9 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'longevity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of longevity

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for longevity

Late Latin longaevitas, from Latin longaevus long-lived, from longus long + aevum age — more at aye

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More Definitions for longevity

longevity

noun

English Language Learners Definition of longevity

: long life : the fact of living for many years
: length of life
: the length of time that something or someone lasts or continues

longevity

noun
lon·​gev·​i·​ty | \ län-ˈjev-ət-ē, lȯn- How to pronounce longevity (audio) \
plural longevities

Medical Definition of longevity

1 : a long duration of individual life attributed his longevity to daily exercise and a healthy diet
2 : length of life studies in longevity

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