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.
Embed security checks throughout the software development life cycle. Paresh Sagar, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 Education experts also caution that improvements in scores early in a new test’s life cycle may reflect an increase in test familiarity rather than genuine gains in student learning. Miami Herald, 9 July 2025 Scientists study cicadas to understand their unique life cycle, timekeeping abilities, and response to climate change. Sarah Henry, The Courier-Journal, 8 July 2025 Plus, starting new edible crops in July also avoids some pests, such as squash vine borers, which may have moved through their life cycle and won’t affect your baby plants. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 8 July 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 21 Jul. 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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