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

Early Engagement For many nonprofits, the donor life cycle begins early. —Shaun Carver, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

The architects also completed an analysis of the full life cycle of the greenhouse gas emissions of the building materials. —Ryan Kellman, NPR, 15 June 2025

After years spent closely examining the evolving life cycle, Filby says that the financial dynamics of modern relationships have changed dramatically—driven by the widening gulf between those who can rely on the 'bank of mom and dad' for financial support, and those who cannot. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025

Consider growing a sacrificial tomato plant and letting the worms go through their life cycle on that plant. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 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