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

By extending the life cycle of creative equipment, MPB actively reduces waste and the carbon footprint of the photo and video industry — proving that used doesn’t mean used up. —Photovogue, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2026

That life cycle puts the youngest and most vulnerable stages in harm’s way. —Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026

The garden, established and maintained by the Chipley Garden Club for more than 25 years, now features new signage highlighting 32 butterfly species, the butterfly life cycle, and even a photo of the waterfall by club member Cheryl McCall. —Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026

The balance of these factors typically changes throughout the life cycle of a relationship, with passionate love happening earliest. —Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 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