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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yet, surprisingly little is known about their life cycle. Matthew Abbott, New York Times, 27 July 2025 But Ewing notes their life cycle and human behavior are conducive to accidental spreading. Calista Oetama, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2025 Recyclable packaging: Sustainable packaging is promoted to minimize environmental impact throughout its life cycle. Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025 Similar to mosquitoes in life cycles and habits, females suck blood to feed their eggs, pest control company Terminix says. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for life cycle

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of life cycle was in 1855

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Cite this Entry

“Life cycle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20cycle. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

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

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

More from Merriam-Webster on life cycle

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