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

It’s populated with creatures (deer, heron, cats, and boar) and an impressive collection of flora that goes through the traditional plant life cycle based on in-game seasons. —Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2025

Identify the customer life cycle point where product delight is at its peak and the customer is happiest with your brand. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Their short life cycle leaves behind a dense layer of dry, dead vegetation by late spring. —Hannah Singleton, WIRED, 21 Jan. 2025

With Orme, brands can overcome the constraints of fleeting content life cycles and inconsistent representation, creating a social commerce strategy that safeguards their identity and maximizes their impact. —Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025

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