Cycle — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈsī-kəl/ cy·cle

Meaning & Definition of Cycle

Cycle (noun)

  1. an interval of time during which a sequence of a recurring succession of events or phenomena is completed
  2. a course or series of events or operations that recur regularly and usually lead back to the starting point
  3. one complete performance of a vibration, electric oscillation, current alternation, or other periodic process

Cycle (verb)

  1. to pass through a cycle
  2. to recur in cycles
  3. to ride a cycle; specifically, bicycle

Cycle (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a series of events or actions that repeat themselves regularly and in the same order

    "the cycle of birth, growth, decline, and death that is experienced by all life forms"

  2. a long or seemingly long period of time

    "years, centuries, and cycles will pass before I budge on that issue"

    related: infinity, lifetime
  3. a two-wheeled vehicle that is propelled by the use of pedals and steered through the use of handlebars

    "a top-of-the-line cycle incorporating the latest technology"

    similar: bicycle, bike, push-bike (British), two-wheeler, velocipede (archaic)

Related Entry: Ring (noun)

Ring is a different word from Cycle. The synonyms below are for ring, not for cycle.

  1. a group involved in secret or criminal activities

    "a ring of counterfeiters passing phony $20 bills"

  2. a circular strip

    "a metal ring encircled the barrel"

    similar: band, circle, eye, hoop, loop, round
  3. a group of people sharing a common interest and relating together socially

    "a gaming ring that meets once a week to play"

  4. something with a perfectly round circumference

    "the coffee cup left a ring on the table"

Related Entry: Ring (noun)

Ring is a different word from Cycle. The synonyms below are for ring, not for cycle.

  1. a communication by telephone

    "give me a ring when you're ready to go"

    similar: buzz, call

Related Entry: Vicious circle (noun)

Vicious circle is a different word from Cycle. The synonyms below are for vicious circle, not for cycle.

  1. a repeating situation or condition in which one problem causes another problem that makes the first problem worse

    "We're trapped in a vicious circle of needing to borrow money in order to pay debts."

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Cycle

The most common words with a similar meaning to Cycle:

Chiefly British: donkey's years
British: push-bike
Archaic: velocipede

Near Antonyms of Cycle

Word Forms of Cycle

Inflections: cycled, cycling

Derived words: cycler (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Cycle

Middle English cicle, from Late Latin cyclus, from Greek kyklos circle, wheel, cycle wheel

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Cycle

Words & Phrases Containing Cycle

Frequently Asked Questions about Cycle

What does "Cycle" mean?

"Cycle" means an interval of time during which a sequence of a recurring succession of events or phenomena is completed. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: an interval of time during which a sequence of a recurring succession of events or phenomena is completed. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Cycle"?

Other words for "Cycle" include circle, merry-go-round, round, wheel, zodiac, age, blue moon and coon's age. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Cycle" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Cycle"?

There are 45 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Cycle". Common alternatives include circle, merry-go-round, round, wheel, zodiac, age, blue moon, coon's age, donkey's years and eon.

How do you use "Cycle" in a sentence?

Examples of "Cycle" in a sentence: "the cycle of birth, growth, decline, and death that is experienced by all life forms"; "years, centuries, and cycles will pass before I budge on that issue"; "a top-of-the-line cycle incorporating the latest technology".

Is "Cycle" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Cycle" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Cycle" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Cycle" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Cycle"?

"Cycle" is pronounced /ˈsī-kəl/ and divided into syllables as cy·cle.

What is the origin of the word "Cycle"?

"Cycle" comes from Middle English cicle, from Late Latin cyclus, from Greek kyklos circle, wheel, cycle wheel. First known use: 14th century.