organism
noun
or·gan·ism
ˈȯr-gə-ˌni-zəm 
1
: a complex structure of interdependent and subordinate elements whose relations and properties are largely determined by their function in the whole
the nation is not merely the sum of individual citizens at any given time, but it is a living organism, a mystical body … of which the individual is an ephemeral part—
Joseph Rossi
Joseph Rossi2
: an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of parts or organs more or less separate in function but mutually dependent : a living being
a multicellular organism
Examples of organism in a Sentence
A human being is a complex organism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Watch this video to see a few organisms invisible to the naked eye.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN, 20 Sep. 2024
Researchers estimate that an astonishing 70 percent of antibiotics and cancer treatments in use today are rooted in natural organisms, from plants to snakes to sea sponges.
—Benji Jones, Vox, 20 Sep. 2024
This provides a valuable contrast for researchers studying what triggers the aging process—and how it might be slowed or even reversed in other organisms.
2.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024
Ocean water can harbor infectious organisms that could affect your skin, causing irritation, rash, or even a more severe infection.
—William Truswell, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for organism 
Alexandra Banner, CNN, 20 Sep. 2024
Researchers estimate that an astonishing 70 percent of antibiotics and cancer treatments in use today are rooted in natural organisms, from plants to snakes to sea sponges.
—Benji Jones, Vox, 20 Sep. 2024
This provides a valuable contrast for researchers studying what triggers the aging process—and how it might be slowed or even reversed in other organisms.
2.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024
Ocean water can harbor infectious organisms that could affect your skin, causing irritation, rash, or even a more severe infection.
—William Truswell, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for organism
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'organism.' 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 organism
Cite this Entry
“Organism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organism. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
organism
noun
or·gan·ism
ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm
1
: something having many related parts that function together as a whole
2
: an individual living thing that carries on the activities of life by means of organs which have separate functions but are dependent on each other : a living person, plant, or animal
Medical Definition
organism
noun
or·gan·ism
ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm
: an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of organs separate in function but mutually dependent : a living being
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