Longevity means living a long time or lasting a long time. When doctors talk about human longevity, they mean how long people typically live. When someone lives to be 100 years old, they've achieved remarkable longevity.

It applies to people, animals, products, and even ideas. The Galápagos tortoise is famous for its longevity, often living more than 100 years. A well-built bicycle might have greater longevity than a cheaply made one, lasting for decades instead of just a few years.

Scientists study longevity to understand what helps people live longer, healthier lives. They've found that factors like exercise, good nutrition, strong friendships, and staying mentally active all contribute to longevity. Some families seem to have longevity in their genes, with many members living well into their nineties.

When a company talks about the longevity of its product, it's promising it will last a long time without breaking. When historians discuss the longevity of ancient Rome, they mean how long that civilization endured. The word captures both the idea of lasting power and the passage of time. Something with longevity doesn't just survive; it endures and remains strong across years or even centuries.