Cycle/ˈsaɪkl/ Definition 1 of 5Pro Tip 1/3Repetitive Pattern The term emphasizes events that repeat in a predictable sequence. Economic booms and recessions form the business cycle. Pro Tip 2/3Natural Processes 'Cycle' often refers to processes in nature or biology that are continuous. The water cycle shows how water evaporates and falls as rain. Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use Used metaphorically to describe recurring situations in life or history. The cycle of poverty can be hard to break.