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.
Blue and purple auroras are typically linked to nitrogen molecules. Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 26 May 2026 Metabolomics is a larger-scale study of small molecules serving as end products of cellular processes, according to UC San Diego. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2026 They’re released into the shallow mantle and can soon come back into the atmosphere via volcanoes, ready to scavenge any plucky molecules of oxygen present in the atmosphere. Scott K. Johnson, ArsTechnica, 26 May 2026 In 2019, the FDA released a study showing that certain molecules in chemical sunscreens—such as avobenzone, ecamsule, octocrylene and oxybenzone—may be absorbed into the bloodstream, calling for further investigation. Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 25 May 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 27 May. 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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