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

Auditable systems must verify carbon offsets, monitor the environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance of suppliers and confirm product life cycle compliance. —Ramachander Rao Thallada, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025

Implementing eco-design principles and conducting life cycle assessments across multiple products and product categories can become a headache. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 1 July 2025

Instead, the company wants to ensure that its locations can endure a long life cycle – from a high schooler's homework spot to a family restaurant once that customer starts a family. —Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 30 June 2025

That’s the life cycle of a Baby Boomer White Sox fan. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 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