life cycle

noun

1

: the series of stages in form and functional activity through which an organism passes between successive recurrences of a specified primary stage

2

: life history sense 2

3

: a series of stages through which something (such as an individual, culture, or manufactured product) passes during its lifetime

Examples of life cycle in a Sentence

the life cycle of a shark

Recent Examples on the Web

With this partnership, Austin FC will standardize its partnership life cycle—from contract obligations to in-season activations to recap reporting—within PlayMaker’s platform. —Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 14 Nov. 2025

And this film has barely begun its life cycle, right? —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025

There has already been a 20% productivity lift to select parts of the development life cycle that Bank of America has focused its efforts on. —John Kell, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025

This project led Coach to conduct a life cycle assessment on the bag and learn that by using post-consumer denim, the brand could save up to 80 percent carbon and 95 percent water versus new denim. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for life cycle

• recycle
• motorcycle

Kids Definition

life cycle

noun

1

: the series of stages of form and activity through which a living thing passes from a beginning stage (as an egg) in one individual to the same stage in its offspring

2

: life history sense 1

Medical Definition

life cycle

noun

1

: the series of stages in form and functional activity through which an organism passes between successive recurrences of a specified primary stage

2

: life history sense 1a