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

These beetles have evolved to become symbols of resilience and natural wonder, with their life cycles, behaviors and ecological roles contributing significantly to the health of their environments. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025

Biennials, such as leeks or parsley, complete their life cycle in two years. —Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2025

In Montana, dogs identify dyer’s woad, an invasive plant that can harm native vegetation and is hard for humans to detect during parts of its life cycle. —Gennaro Tomma, Scientific American, 14 Mar. 2025

Once eaten by a human, the L3 larvae try to complete their life cycle by burrowing into tissue out of the intestines to get to the brain, traveling either through the blood or along nerves. —Ars Technica, 11 Mar. 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