ribosome

noun

ri·​bo·​some ˈrī-bə-ˌsōm How to pronounce ribosome (audio)
: any of the RNA-rich cytoplasmic granules that are sites of protein synthesis see cell illustration
ribosomal adjective

Examples of ribosome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The ribosomes could not parse some mutations and trepidatiously tiptoed over physical roadblocks created by more severe damage. Dan Samorodnitsky, Quanta Magazine, 14 July 2025 Binding to ribosomes and nucleolin, which are crucial for protein synthesis. New Atlas, 13 July 2025 He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2009 for his discovery of the structure of the ribosome, a crucial cellular machine responsible for gene expression. Sandro Iannaccone, Wired News, 15 Apr. 2025 In 2014, his lab showed vaults are made in an unusual way, by an assembly line of ribosomes. Byjohn Travis, science.org, 6 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for ribosome

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ribosome was in 1958

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ribosome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ribosome. Accessed 27 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

ribosome

noun
ri·​bo·​some ˈrī-bə-ˌsōm How to pronounce ribosome (audio)
: one of numerous small RNA-containing particles in a cell that are sites of protein synthesis

Medical Definition

ribosome

noun
ri·​bo·​some ˈrī-bə-ˌsōm How to pronounce ribosome (audio)
: any of the RNA- and protein-rich cytoplasmic granules that are sites of protein synthesis
ribosomal adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on ribosome

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!