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

The cotton industry is at the forefront of creating sustainable textiles, with opportunities for environmental improvement and resource conservation sewn right into the cotton life cycle. —Catherine Salfino, Footwear News, 24 Apr. 2026

It’s been 15 years since the Producers Guild introduced its Green Production Guide, and yet convincing film and television productions to think about the life cycle of their sets and props remains a work in progress. —Pat Saperstein, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026

Both beetles and moths go through a four-stage life cycle of egg, larva (grub), pupa, and adult. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026

Dethatch the Grass Whether it's been caused by mowing or the natural life cycle of your grass, buildup is inevitable. —Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 17 Apr. 2026

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