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

Batty, having reached the end of his four-year life cycle (and subsequent run from the law as a fugitive of planet Earth), recalls his journeys through space and mourns these memories being lost more than his own death. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 24 July 2026

And unlike fast-fashion brands like H&M that rapidly turn over trends and generally have 12-to 16-month product life cycles, COS products can last for years and appeal to different customer bases, notably professionals and creative types. — David Moin, Footwear News, 23 July 2026

The tree must be protected, and harvesting must be limited so enough caterpillars can complete their life cycle and sustain the next generation. — Gerald J. Leonard, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

But their life cycle provides ample food for poetic reflection on the meaning of life, on individuality and community, and on loss and the ever-present possibility of renewal. — Richard Schiffman, Christian Science Monitor, 22 July 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