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

Photo : Tim Boyle 2001: The Second-Generation Escalade While the first Escalade was a late addition to GM’s SUV portfolio, being added to the mix towards the end of its platform’s life cycle, the second-gen model took a more holistic and properly high-end approach. —Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2024

Using Sustainability Footprint Management, SDX calculates carbon footprints across each product life cycle stage, from raw materials to disposal. —Robert Kramer, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

The parasite that causes schistosomiasis completes its life cycle in two hosts – first in snails and then in mammals such as people, dogs, and mice. —Trirupa Chakraborty, Discover Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024

Illumination stunts toad growth Artificial lights at night affect the ubiquitous American toad during various phases of its life cycle. —Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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