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

Dethatch the Grass Whether it's been caused by mowing or the natural life cycle of your grass, buildup is inevitable. —Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 17 Apr. 2026

In addition to feeding on pests, many predatory insects and parasitoids feed on nectar or pollen for part of their life cycle. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2026

What's the life cycle of a cicada? —Finch Walker, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026

Harvesting the garlic scapes is an essential part of garlic's life cycle. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 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