species

1 of 2

noun

spe·​cies ˈspē-(ˌ)shēz 

-(ˌ)sēz

plural species

1

a

: kind, sort

b

: a class of individuals having common attributes and designated by a common name

specifically : a logical division of a genus or more comprehensive class

confessing sins in species and in number

c

: the human race : human beings

—often used with the

survival of the species in the nuclear age

d(1)

: a category of biological classification ranking immediately below the genus or subgenus, comprising related organisms or populations potentially capable of interbreeding, and being designated by a binomial that consists of the name of a genus followed by a Latin or latinized uncapitalized noun or adjective agreeing grammatically with the genus name

(2)

: an individual or kind belonging to a biological species

e

: a particular kind of atomic nucleus, atom, molecule, or ion

2

: the consecrated eucharistic elements of the Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox Eucharist

3

a

: a mental image

also : a sensible object

b

: an object of thought correlative with a natural object

species

2 of 2

adjective

: belonging to a biological species as distinguished from a horticultural variety

a species rose

Synonyms of species

Noun

• type
• kind
• category
• genus

Examples of species in a Sentence

Noun

There are approximately 8,000 species of ants.

All European domestic cattle belong to the same species.

laws that protect endangered species

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Rinaldi's team have nicknamed it the Saguaro, after a species of cactus native to the Sonoran desert in the United States' south-west, thanks to the galaxy's arms and how its core resembles the red fruit produced by the cactus. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Organizers said the project is designed to move beyond short-term conservation grants by providing sustained funding over multiple years, giving conservationists more time and resources to help species populations recover. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

Adjective

As forests become increasingly fragmented and wildlife is forced into closer contact with people, livestock and domestic animals, opportunities for cross-species interactions are changing rapidly. — Cyril Grueter, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2026

Beyond a better understanding of positive inter-species relationships among apes and monkeys, the researchers say further analysis could also benefit mixed animal facilities at wildlife sanctuaries and zoos. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Latin, appearance, kind, species, from specere to look — more at spy

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1899, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing species

• endangered species
• invasive species
• keystone species
• sibling species
• type species

Rhymes for species

• interspecies
• multispecies
• subspecies

Kids Definition

species

noun

spe·​cies

ˈspē-shēz, 

-sēz

plural species

1

: a class of things of the same kind and with the same name : kind

2

: a category of living things that ranks below a genus, is made up of related individuals able to produce fertile offspring, and is identified by a two-part scientific name

Medical Definition

species

noun

spe·​cies ˈspē-(ˌ)shēz  -(ˌ)sēz 

plural species

1

a

: a category of biological classification ranking immediately below the genus or subgenus, comprising related organisms or populations potentially capable of interbreeding, and being designated by a binomial that consists of the name of the genus followed by a Latin or latinized uncapitalized noun or adjective agreeing grammatically with the genus name

b

: an individual or kind belonging to a biological species

2

: a particular kind of atomic nucleus, atom, molecule, or ion

production of DNA damage by active oxygen species