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

Embed security checks throughout the software development life cycle. —Paresh Sagar, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

Education experts also caution that improvements in scores early in a new test’s life cycle may reflect an increase in test familiarity rather than genuine gains in student learning. —Miami Herald, 9 July 2025

Scientists study cicadas to understand their unique life cycle, timekeeping abilities, and response to climate change. —Sarah Henry, The Courier-Journal, 8 July 2025

Plus, starting new edible crops in July also avoids some pests, such as squash vine borers, which may have moved through their life cycle and won’t affect your baby plants. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 8 July 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