plural germs
1
a
: a small mass of living substance capable of developing into an organism or one of its parts
b
: the embryo with the scutellum of a cereal grain that is usually separated from the starchy endosperm during milling
3
: a microorganism causing disease : a pathogenic agent (such as a bacterium or virus)
broadly
: microorganism
Examples of germ in a Sentence
the germ that causes tuberculosis
the germ of an idea
the germ layers of an embryo
Recent Examples on the Web
The colder months are also prime season for flu, colds, and viruses, so germs are more likely to cover high-touch surfaces such as door handles, light switches, and countertops.
—
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024
Add dark chocolate squares or melted dark chocolate to use as a dip.
Food Safety Tips
Gathering around a charcuterie board to enjoy finger foods and conversation can create a perfect environment for spreading germs.
—Johna Burdeos, Health, 21 Oct. 2024
That is because the new vaccines activate a branch of the immune system that has evolved for robust, rapid responses against airborne germs.
—Stephani Sutherland, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024
He’s made the bar his workstation, but anyone invading his personal bubble will likely be blasted by his keyboard cleaning spray or berated for getting germs near him.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for germ 
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024
Add dark chocolate squares or melted dark chocolate to use as a dip.
Food Safety Tips
Gathering around a charcuterie board to enjoy finger foods and conversation can create a perfect environment for spreading germs.
—Johna Burdeos, Health, 21 Oct. 2024
That is because the new vaccines activate a branch of the immune system that has evolved for robust, rapid responses against airborne germs.
—Stephani Sutherland, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024
He’s made the bar his workstation, but anyone invading his personal bubble will likely be blasted by his keyboard cleaning spray or berated for getting germs near him.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for germ
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'germ.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near germ
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/germ. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
germ
noun1
a
: a small mass of living substance capable of developing into a whole individual or one of its parts
b
: the embryo in the seed of a cereal (as corn or wheat) together with its cotyledon that is usually separated from the starchy part of the seed during milling
2
: something that serves as an origin
the germ of an idea
3
: a microscopic living thing
especially
: one that causes disease
Medical Definition
germ
noun1
: a small mass of living substance capable of developing into an organism or one of its parts
2
: a microorganism causing disease : a pathogenic agent (as a bacterium or virus)
broadly
: microorganism
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