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

For 30 years, the Festival of Butterflies has invited guests to walk among tropical and native butterflies while learning about the insects’ life cycles, habitats and role as pollinators. — Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026

The Next Phase Of API Maturity For years, API leaders focused on design standards, governance frameworks and life cycle management. — Baptiste Parravicini, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

The 13-track record tells the story of the life cycle of her first true adult relationship, exploring everything from the excitement of the honeymoon phase to the uncertainty, self-doubt and heartbreak that follows. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026

Batty, having reached the end of his four-year life cycle (and subsequent run from the law as a fugitive of planet Earth), recalls his journeys through space and mourns these memories being lost more than his own death. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 24 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