First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1cycle
noun cy·cle \ˈsī-kəl\
: a set of events or actions that happen again and again in the same order : a repeating series of events or actions
: a set of regular and repeated actions that are done by a machine as part of a longer process
: a bicycle or motorcycle
Full Definition of CYCLE
1
: an interval of time during which a sequence of a recurring succession of events or phenomena is completed <a 4-year cycle of growth and development>
2
a : a course or series of events or operations that recur regularly and usually lead back to the starting point b : one complete performance of a vibration, electric oscillation, current alternation, or other periodic process c : a permutation of a set of ordered elements in which each element takes the place of the next and the last becomes first d : a takeoff and landing of an airplane
3
4
: a long period of time : age
5
a : a group of creative works (as poems, plays, or songs) treating the same theme b : a series of narratives dealing typically with the exploits of a legendary hero
6
7
: the series of a single, double, triple, and home run hit in any order by one player during one baseball game
See cycle defined for English-language learners
See cycle defined for kids
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Origin of CYCLE
Middle English cicle, from Late Latin cyclus, from Greek kyklos circle, wheel, cycle — more at wheel
Related to CYCLE
- Synonyms
- circle, merry-go-round, round, wheel, zodiac
Other Electrical Engineering Terms
2cycle
verb
: to go through a repeated process or to cause (something) to go through a repeated process
: to ride a bicycle
cy·cledcy·cling \ˈsī-k(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of CYCLE
intransitive verb
1
a : to pass through a cycle b : to recur in cycles
2
: to ride a cycle; specifically : bicycle
transitive verb
: to cause to go through a cycle
— cy·cler \ˈsī-k(ə-)lər\ noun
See cycle defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CYCLE
1842
CYCLE Defined for Kids
1cycle
noun cy·cle \ˈsī-kəl\
Definition of CYCLE for Kids
1
: a period of time taken up by a series of events or actions that repeat themselves again and again in the same order <the cycle of the seasons>
2
: a complete round or series <The dishwasher started its drying cycle.>
3
: 1bicycle
4
2cycle
verb
cy·cledcy·cling
Definition of CYCLE for Kids
: to ride a bicycle or motorcycle
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