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

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

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