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

Spring windstorms, heat and dry air can accelerate the plants’ life cycle or prevent new flowers from developing. —Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026

At the ripe old age of 28, Kylie has embodied the 21st-century life cycle better than anyone alive. —Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 11 Mar. 2026

The new images reveal stunning details about what happens as a star approaches the end of its evolutionary life cycle. —Brett Tingley, Space.com, 10 Mar. 2026

Too often, perfectly good food has its life cycle cut short. —Patty Oconnor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 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