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

To reduce risk, organizations should incorporate security reviews, testing, governance and monitoring throughout the AI life cycle, from design and training through deployment and ongoing use. — Grayson Milbourne, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Sheriff added that enCore remains focused on safety and environmental stewardship throughout the project’s life cycle. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026

Repotting As peppers are usually grown as annuals, their life cycle ends in the fall and repotting is unnecessary. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 24 June 2026

The powder will dry the rash in a way that wiping can’t do, shortening its life cycle. — Lauren Silbert, PEOPLE, 24 June 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