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 nebula — an interstellar cloud of gas and dust that plays a key role in the life cycle of stars — appears to take the shape of a koi fish, varieties of carp that are known for their vibrant colors. —Space.com Staff, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025

This commitment to extending the life cycle of their luggage, Banks believes, is a fundamental aspect of sustainability. —Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024

Read more Microplastics Map Shows States with Rising Whooping Cough Cases How to Avoid a Christmas Food Coma Vegetable Cooking Method Linked to Harmful Fat Release This is because plastic manufacturing adds to greenhouse gas emissions during their whole life cycle. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024

Chinook salmon only spawn once during their life cycle and then die, so fish that have been spawned are then harvested and sold by a state contractor. —Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press, 19 Dec. 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