shelf life

noun

Definition of shelf life

: 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

Microsoft didn't explain why the games would have a longer shelf life on its newer operating systems. Mark Hachman, PCWorld, "Microsoft is shutting down its online versions of Hearts, Spades, Checkers and more," 14 July 2019 Salt helps to preserve butter, creating a longer shelf life. Lucinda Scala Quinn, Washington Post, "How to put fancy, high-fat butter to its best use," 21 June 2019 Games seem to have a much longer shelf life nowadays. Patrick Shanley, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Outer Worlds' Co-Director Says Game Was Influenced by 'Futurama,' 'Firefly'," 14 June 2019 Arguments about moral failings and missed opportunities have a shelf life longer than Twinkies. Ron Charles, Dallas News, "In Richard Russo's 'Chances Are...,' a charming reunion unearths a chilling disappearance," 30 July 2019 Seed and nut oils are more susceptible to becoming rancid. Extend their shelf life by storing nut oils in the refrigerator. Claire Perez, sun-sentinel.com, "Claire’s tip of the week: How to use different cooking oils," 5 July 2019 Vavrick said graduate students in the program will research product shelf life, nutritional value and microbiological content. Grace Connatser, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Demand is high for food scientists. Mount Mary University launches new advanced degree program.," 24 June 2019 This product has a short shelf life (2 to 3 years), so replace as needed. Betty Cahill, The Denver Post, "How to get rid of mosquitoes in your yard," 14 June 2019 Blood has a short shelf life, requiring a constant supply of donations. Kyra Haas, azcentral, "Arizona needs more blood donors during summer months; you can help," 10 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shelf life.' 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 shelf life

1927, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for shelf life

shelf life

noun

English Language Learners Definition of shelf life

: the length of time that food may be stored and still be good to eat
: the length of time during which something or someone lasts or remains popular

shelf life

noun
\ ˈshelf-ˌ How to pronounce shelf life (audio) \

Medical Definition of shelf life

: the period of time during which a material (as a food or drug) may be stored and remain suitable for use