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

That means the Operator can accomplish the full life cycle of a task, such as booking a reservation or signing someone up for something. —John Werner, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

For the winter-run Chinook — whose unique life cycle involves residing and spawning in freshwater through summer — the ice-cold McCloud was their stronghold. —Calmatters, Mercury News, 13 May 2025

After a cold open that introduced the concept of spores—particles expelled into the air by infected in the last stage of their life cycle that can transfer to anyone who breathes them in—the closing minutes saw Ellie finally hunt down a member of Abby's entourage, Nora (Tati Gabrielle). —Megan McCluskey, Time, 12 May 2025

Successful conservation also considers species throughout their life cycles. —Christopher Halsch, The Conversation, 8 May 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