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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
Uncooked Meats Uncooked meats have a particularly short refrigerator shelf life of only one to two days, according to FoodSafety.org.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2024
Unpeeled raw carrots have a shelf life of three to four weeks in the refrigerator, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
—Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024
Ironically, by losing the election in 2020, and being forced to serve nonconsecutive terms, the Trump Era has an extended shelf life beyond even the most influential two-term presidents.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
With 79% of leaders believing technical skills have a five-year shelf life, companies increasingly value adaptability, executive communication, and leadership potential.
—Kara Dennison, Sphr, Cprw, Ec, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
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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 30 Nov. 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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