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

The garden, established and maintained by the Chipley Garden Club for more than 25 years, now features new signage highlighting 32 butterfly species, the butterfly life cycle, and even a photo of the waterfall by club member Cheryl McCall. —Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026

The balance of these factors typically changes throughout the life cycle of a relationship, with passionate love happening earliest. —Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2026

If the rest of the plant looks healthy, one leaf may have just lived its life cycle and needs to be removed. —Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026

Freezing temperatures play an important role in regulating plant, animal, and insect life cycles, replenishing snow pack that supplies fresh water, and sustaining snow and ice needed for winter recreation and local economies. —Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 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