fungus

noun

fun·​gus ˈfəŋ-gəs 

plural fungi ˈfən-ˌjī  ˈfəŋ-ˌgī  also funguses ˈfəŋ-gə-səz 

often attributive

: any of a kingdom (Fungi) of saprophytic and parasitic spore-producing eukaryotic typically filamentous organisms formerly classified as plants that lack chlorophyll and include molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts

Examples of fungus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The farm specializes in gourmet and medicinal fungi, such as oyster, lion's mane, and native Danish coral tooth mushrooms. —Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026

Cracked tomatoes should never be used for canning due to the risk of the fungus, mold, or bacteria that may be introduced from the crack, adds Edwards. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 23 May 2026

Typically the immune system releases chemicals to fight off pathogens such as bacteria, viruses or fungi, but with sepsis the response goes into overdrive. —Steve Reed, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026

Typically the immune system releases chemicals to fight off pathogens like bacteria, viruses or fungi, but with sepsis the response goes into overdrive. —Steve Reed, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

1527, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fungus

• bracket fungus
• chytrid fungus
• club fungus
• cup fungus
• fungus gnat
• imperfect fungus
• lower fungus
• pore fungus
• sac fungus
• shelf fungus

Rhymes for fungus

• fungous
• tungus

Kids Definition

fungus

noun

fun·​gus ˈfəŋ-gəs 

plural fungi ˈfən-ˌjī  ˈfəŋ-ˌgī  also funguses

1

: any of a kingdom of living things (as molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, and mushrooms) that lack chlorophyll, are parasitic or live on dead or decaying organic matter, and were formerly considered plants

2

: infection with a fungus

fungus adjective

Medical Definition

fungus

noun

fun·​gus ˈfəŋ-gəs 

plural fungi

ˈfən-ˌjī also ˈfəŋ-ˌgī

also funguses ˈfəŋ-gə-səz 

often attributive

1

: any of the kingdom Fungi of saprophytic and parasitic spore-producing eukaryotic typically filamentous organisms formerly classified as plants that lack chlorophyll and include molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts

2

: infection with a fungus