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

Not even 20 years ago, mainstream entertainment followed a remarkably predictable life cycle. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 10 July 2026

Within Qualcomm, Tinic says AI tools are widely adopted to support the software testing life cycle, as well as for research and personal productivity. — John Kell, Fortune, 8 July 2026

This layout alters how a power plant operates over its life cycle. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026

Preservation, restoration and storage are increasingly viewed as part of the entire luxury life cycle experience, particularly as resale values become an important consideration at the original purchase stage. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 2 July 2026

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