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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for life cycle

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of life cycle was in 1855

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Cite this Entry

“Life cycle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20cycle. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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

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

More from Merriam-Webster on life cycle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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