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

DevSecOps integrates development, security and operations into a unified process so teams can detect and address risks earlier in the software development life cycle. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

Because of the cicada's 17-year life cycle, Brood XIV won't be seen again until 2042. —Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 15 May 2025

Overall, Massimo said the favorite topics include pop artists, animals, dinosaurs, life cycles, human body systems, weather, sports, athletes, graphic novels, foreign countries and career exploration. —Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025

However, few organisms can complete their life cycle at temperatures below 28.4 degrees Fahrenheit. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 1 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