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

Ars Video The ploy—called the Sterile Insect Technique—throws a wrench into the unique life cycle of screwworms. —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025

Annual flowers, which complete their life cycle in one season, can produce lots of blooms over several months or weeks. —Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2025

They are based on the 2021 Ferrari 296, a car now approaching the end of its life cycle. —Giulio Piovaccari, USA Today, 1 May 2025

Understanding Spider Mites The life cycle of these pests is rapid. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 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