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.
The oldest tadpole reveals evolutionary stability of the anuran life cycle. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 The two-stage life cycle–when the aquatic tadpole changes into an adult form–is one of the main characteristics of anurans. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2024 Recognizing the scale of both the challenge and economic opportunity, in March 2022 governments adopted a historic resolution to develop an international treaty that addresses the full life cycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal. Jason Ma, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2024 Understanding the life cycle of this tiny insect is crucial to a successful fly-fishing trip. John Paul Brammer, SELF, 17 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near life cycle

Cite this Entry

“Life cycle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20cycle. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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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