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
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.
Organizations also need a sustainable strategy for keeping critical software secure throughout its operational life cycle, including after community support ends. — Aaron Mitchell, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Originally conceived in 1997 as a Resident Evil game set in feudal Japan, the first entry in the samurai action adventure series was released early in the PlayStation 2’s life cycle. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026 Winter dormancy when there are no insects to feed on is part of the natural life cycle of the Venus flytrap. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Aug. 2026 Their life cycle begins after female and male dragonflies mate and the female dragonfly lays tiny eggs in freshwater. — Olga R. Rodriguez, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for life cycle

See All Rhymes for life cycle

Browse Nearby Words

life coach
life cycle
life everlasting
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Cite this Entry

“Life cycle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20cycle. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on life cycle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about life cycle

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