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

Inside the pavilion’s new pool is the exhibition’s centerpiece, a group of giant Victoria water lilies, which will grow and bloom and eventually die through the exhibition’s run, which happens to map to their life cycle. —Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 6 May 2026

Leave the Leaves Many pollinators overwinter in old leaf litter and making garden beds too tidy too soon can interrupt their life cycle and remove hibernation and nesting spots. —Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 5 May 2026

And once the flowers fade away, the plant produces seed heads as the next phase of the life cycle. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 4 May 2026

Sustainability is a major emphasis for the Jordan team, who endeavor to utilize an entire plant through its life cycle, whether collecting fava blossoms for plate garnishes or using red shiso blossoms in salads. —Anna Katherine Clemmons, USA Today, 28 Apr. 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