molecule

noun

mol·​e·​cule ˈmä-li-ˌkyül How to pronounce molecule (audio)
Synonyms of moleculenext
1
: the smallest particle of a substance that retains all the properties (see property sense 1a) of the substance and is composed of one or more atoms (see atom sense 1a)
a molecule of water
a molecule of oxygen
2
: a tiny bit : particle
There is a molecule of evidence to support these charges.

Examples of molecule in a Sentence

There is not a molecule of evidence to support these charges. not a molecule of sense in that girl
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 model is based on how lithium ions propagate through a battery’s electrodes, similar to how caffeine molecules dissolve from coffee grounds. ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2026 There’s Can’t Get Enough, part of the Carnal Blends with fragrances including an overdose of hedione, a molecule said to activate pheromones. Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2026 The South China Morning Post stated that this molecule uses its rigid, bulky structure to physically shield the iron core from chemical attack, while its strong negative charge creates a force field that repels leaking particles. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026 Most phases of ice send the rays bouncing in just a couple different directions, since their crystal patterns repeat after a few molecules. Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for molecule

Word History

Etymology

French molécule, from New Latin molecula, diminutive of Latin moles mass

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of molecule was in 1701

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Molecule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/molecule. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

molecule

noun
mol·​e·​cule ˈmäl-i-ˌkyü(ə)l How to pronounce molecule (audio)
1
: the smallest particle of a substance having all the characteristics of the substance
a molecule of water
a molecule of oxygen
2
: a very small bit : particle

Medical Definition

molecule

noun
mol·​e·​cule ˈmäl-i-ˌkyü(ə)l How to pronounce molecule (audio)
: the smallest particle of a substance that retains all the properties of the substance and is composed of one or more atoms

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