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

Removing this debris prematurely can disrupt or destroy their life cycles. —Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Oct. 2025

When stressed, injured, or aging, this tiny hydrozoan, Turritopsis dohrnii, can reverse its life cycle. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025

Beyond advancing circular fashion and its positive environmental impact, resale represents a smart business decision for brands, extending product life cycles, reaching new consumers, and strengthening long-term brand value. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025

Its integrated two-way data transfer allows users to exchange files of any size without leaving the platform’s secure environment, simplifying and connecting all phases of a production’s life cycle. —Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 8 Oct. 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