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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Part of the life cycle of this fungus is entirely within the leaf. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025 This relentless pace presents both a challenge and an opportunity: managing the life cycle of corporate assets. Albert Golukhov, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 And once the flowers fade away, the plant produces seed heads as the next phase of the life cycle. Lauren David, Southern Living, 1 June 2025 Deriving its name from the Czech polka dance, which was popular in the 19th century, the timeless pattern has lived through many life cycles and is associated with a variety of names, from Minnie Mouse to Princess Diana. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for life cycle

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of life cycle was in 1855

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Cite this Entry

“Life cycle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20cycle. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

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

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

More from Merriam-Webster on life cycle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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