genus

noun

ge·​nus ˈjē-nəs  ˈje- 

plural genera ˈje-nə-rə  also genuses

1

: a class, kind, or group marked by common characteristics or by one common characteristic

specifically : a category of biological classification ranking between the family and the species, comprising structurally or phylogenetically (see phylogenetic sense 2) related species or an isolated species exhibiting unusual differentiation, and being designated by a Latin or latinized capitalized singular noun

2

: a class of objects divided into several subordinate species

Synonyms of genus

• type
• category
• kind
• species

Examples of genus in a Sentence

the crime novel, written from the criminal's perspective, is sometimes seen as a particular species of the detective story genus

Recent Examples on the Web

The genus name itself includes a reference to Sir Galahad, the Arthurian knight known for his moral uprightness, reflecting the animal’s upright stance. —Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 23 Feb. 2026

Dani Navarro The discovery of Spinosaurus mirabilis also sheds light on the evolution of the Spinosaurus genus, UChicago said. —Adam Harrington, CBS News, 22 Feb. 2026

Despite the name, these are not lilies at all, but belong to a different genus that includes about 15 common species. —Angela England, The Spruce, 22 Feb. 2026

That combination of features — translucent body, segmented frame, protruding teeth, up to 11 claws and enlarged thoracic spines — made the organism distinct enough to warrant an entirely new genus. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin gener-, genus birth, race, kind — more at kin

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing genus

• form genus
• type genus

Rhymes for genus

• cleanness
• freeness
• minas
• penis
• venous
• venus
• arteriovenous
• dominus
• fraxinus
• lupinus
• ricinus
• silenus

Kids Definition

genus

noun

ge·​nus ˈjē-nəs 

plural genera ˈjen-ə-rə 

: a category of classification in biology that ranks between the family and the species, contains related species, and is named by a capitalized noun formed in Latin

Medical Definition

genus

noun

ge·​nus ˈjē-nəs  ˈjen-əs 

plural genera ˈjen-ə-rə 

: a class, kind, or group marked by common characteristics or by one common characteristic

specifically : a category of biological classification ranking between the family and the species, comprising structurally or phylogenetically related species or an isolated species exhibiting unusual differentiation, and designated by a Latin or latinized capitalized singular noun