plural kidneys
1
a
: one of a pair of vertebrate organs situated in the body cavity near the spinal column that excrete waste products of metabolism, in humans are bean-shaped organs about 4½ inches (11½ centimeters) long lying behind the peritoneum in a mass of fatty tissue, and consist chiefly of nephrons by which urine is secreted, collected, and discharged into a main cavity from which it is conveyed by the ureter to the bladder
b
: any of various excretory organs of invertebrate animals
2
: the kidney of an animal eaten as food
3
: sort or kind especially with regard to temperament
… a nice helpful guy, of a different kidney entirely from the … Secret Police …—
Paula Lecler
Paula LeclerExamples of kidney in a Sentence
a patient with a damaged kidney
her new boyfriend is of a different kidney than what she usually dates
Recent Examples on the Web
The movie tells the story of Randy Simpkins and wife, Christal, and Randy's donation of a kidney to Russell Dallas in 2023.
—Nancy Badertscher, AJC.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Nothing in the documents suggested the kind of kidney or liver dysfunction that would significantly impair morphine elimination.
—Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Those who survive are at risk of lasting kidney, liver and pancreas problems.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 26 Jan. 2026
The prevalence of obesity and depression increased among young adults between 2013 and 2023, while diabetes, chronic kidney disease and stroke rose among middle aged adults and chronic kidney disease has become more prevalent among senior citizens.
—Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for kidney
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Nancy Badertscher, AJC.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Nothing in the documents suggested the kind of kidney or liver dysfunction that would significantly impair morphine elimination.
—Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Those who survive are at risk of lasting kidney, liver and pancreas problems.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 26 Jan. 2026
The prevalence of obesity and depression increased among young adults between 2013 and 2023, while diabetes, chronic kidney disease and stroke rose among middle aged adults and chronic kidney disease has become more prevalent among senior citizens.
—Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for kidney
Cite this Entry
“Kidney.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kidney. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
kidney
noun
kid·ney
ˈkid-nē 
plural kidneys
1
: either of a pair of oval to bean-shaped organs located in the back part of the abdomen near the spine that give off waste products in the form of urine
2
: an organ of an invertebrate animal that gives off waste
Medical Definition
kidney
noun
kid·ney
ˈkid-nē
plural kidneys
1
: one of a pair of vertebrate organs situated in the body cavity near the spinal column that excrete waste products of metabolism, in humans are bean-shaped organs about 4¹/₂ inches (11¹/₂ centimeters) long lying behind the peritoneum in a mass of fatty tissue, and consist chiefly of nephrons by which urine is secreted, collected, and discharged into the renal pelvis whence it is conveyed by the ureter to the bladder compare mesonephros, metanephros, pronephros
2
: any of various excretory organs of invertebrate animals
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