Cycle
/ˈsaɪkəl/
Definitions
4 meaningsA series of events that occur in a regular order and repeat over and over.
/ˈsaɪkəl/
A series of events that are repeated regularly in the same order.
The cycle of seasons includes spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
💡 Simply: Imagine a washing machine. The wash, rinse, and spin are a cycle! Things happen, then repeat.
👶 For kids: Like a circle! When something happens again and again.
More Examples
They went through a cycle of arguments and reconciliations.
The menstrual cycle typically lasts around 28 days.
How It's Used
"The water cycle describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth."
"The business cycle refers to the fluctuations in economic activity over time."
A journey or trip, typically on a bicycle or motorcycle.
/ˈsaɪkəl/
A complete trip or journey, especially on a bicycle or motorcycle.
He goes for a daily cycle to the park.
💡 Simply: Riding your bike is a cycle! You get on, pedal, and go around.
👶 For kids: Riding a bike!
More Examples
They planned a cycle across Europe.
I enjoy a cycle in the morning.
How It's Used
"She enjoys taking long cycles through the countryside on her bicycle."
"The Tour de France is a famous cycling race."
To go through a repeating series of events; to move in a circular or recurring pattern.
/ˈsaɪkəl/
To move or pass through a cycle.
The moon cycles around the earth.
💡 Simply: Like when things go 'round and 'round again. The weather cycle is a good example.
👶 For kids: To go in a circle or keep doing something over and over.
More Examples
The company cycles through different marketing strategies.
The data is cycled through the program's algorithm.
How It's Used
"The seasons cycle throughout the year."
"The computer program cycles through the different tasks."
To ride a bicycle or motorcycle.
/ˈsaɪkəl/
She cycles through the park every afternoon.
💡 Simply: To ride a bike.
👶 For kids: To ride a bike.
More Examples
He cycles to maintain his fitness.
The children enjoy cycling around the neighborhood.
How It's Used
"I cycle to work every day."
"He cycles long distances for charity."
Idioms & expressions
vicious cycle
A chain of events in which one problem causes another problem, which then makes the first problem worse.
"Poverty can create a vicious cycle of poor education and limited job opportunities."
life cycle
The stages of development that something goes through, from beginning to end.
"The life cycle of a butterfly includes the egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages."
to cycle through
To progress through a series or set of options or choices.
"The program cycles through different interface settings."
From Greek *kyklos* meaning 'circle' or 'wheel', later adopted into Latin as *cyclus* and then into Old French as *cycle*.
The word 'cycle' has been used since the 14th century, initially in the context of time and periods before expanding to other recurring phenomena.
Memory tip
Think of a bicycle wheel – it goes round and round, a cycle.
Word Origin
"circle, wheel"