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 team led by Paola Tiranti observed Uranus for nearly a full rotation, detecting the faint glow from molecules up to 3,100 miles (5,000 kilometres) above the cloud tops. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026 Humectants are molecules that are able to bind to and retain water, which is why they are often used in lotions and moisturizers. Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026 Blood tests showed that the men had higher levels of a molecule called interleukin-10, which switches off pain signals to the brain. Aria Bendix, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026 The groups are called molecules. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 Feb. 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 25 Feb. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on molecule

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster