plural genes
: a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome and that is the functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the structure of a particular polypeptide and especially a protein or controlling the function of other genetic material
Examples of gene in a Sentence
She inherited a good set of genes from her parents.
Recent Examples on the Web
Her mother, most likely, Romito 1, carried an altered copy of the same gene, which explained her shorter stature, though her daughter appeared to suffer from a more acute case of the condition.
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Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026
Though the defense lost its clutch-gene mojo in 2025, there’s not much reason to believe this area can’t be part of a turnaround in 2026.
—Jesse Newell, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
More specifically, populations that incorporate iron show upregulation of metal tolerance and transporter genes.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
San Diego’s Illumina is the world leader in gene sequencing technology — the ability to read and record DNA.
—Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
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Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026
Though the defense lost its clutch-gene mojo in 2025, there’s not much reason to believe this area can’t be part of a turnaround in 2026.
—Jesse Newell, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
More specifically, populations that incorporate iron show upregulation of metal tolerance and transporter genes.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
San Diego’s Illumina is the world leader in gene sequencing technology — the ability to read and record DNA.
—Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gene
Cite this Entry
“Gene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gene
noun
: a part of DNA or sometimes RNA that is usually located on a chromosome and that contains chemical information needed to make a particular protein (as an enzyme) controlling or influencing an inherited bodily trait or activity (as eye color or metabolism) or that influences or controls the activity of another gene or genes
Medical Definition
gene
noun
: a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome and that is the functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the structure of a particular polypeptide and especially a protein or controlling the function of other genetic material
called also determinant, determiner, factor
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