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.
If the rest of the plant looks healthy, one leaf may have just lived its life cycle and needs to be removed. Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026 Freezing temperatures play an important role in regulating plant, animal, and insect life cycles, replenishing snow pack that supplies fresh water, and sustaining snow and ice needed for winter recreation and local economies. Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026 But the picture changes over the whole life cycle. Olesya Dmitracova, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026 For most clothing brands, over 90 percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from the supply chains and product life cycles, not their own operations. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 5 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Life cycle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20cycle. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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

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