organism
noun
or·gan·ism
ˈȯr-gə-ˌni-zəm 
1
: a complex structure of interdependent and subordinate elements whose relations and properties are largely determined by their function in the whole
The nation is not merely the sum of individual citizens at any given time, but it is a living organism, a mystical body … of which the individual is an ephemeral part …—
Joseph Rossi
Joseph Rossi2
: an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of parts or organs more or less separate in function but mutually dependent : a living being
a multicellular organism
Examples of organism in a Sentence
A human being is a complex organism.
Recent Examples on the Web
The , or , is equipped with a manned submersible to collect deep-sea samples, including organisms and sediments.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
Fermented Foods Live organisms called probiotics live in your gut and offer a host of health benefits.
—Lauren Manaker Ms, Verywell Health, 24 Nov. 2025
This meant that Nakayama and his team had a new organism on their hands.
—Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 24 Nov. 2025
In the future, there could be materials that can reconfigure themselves on demand, adapting their structure and properties like living organisms.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Nov. 2025
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Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
Fermented Foods Live organisms called probiotics live in your gut and offer a host of health benefits.
—Lauren Manaker Ms, Verywell Health, 24 Nov. 2025
This meant that Nakayama and his team had a new organism on their hands.
—Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 24 Nov. 2025
In the future, there could be materials that can reconfigure themselves on demand, adapting their structure and properties like living organisms.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for organism
Cite this Entry
“Organism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organism. Accessed 27 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
organism
noun
or·gan·ism
ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm
1
: something having many related parts that function together as a whole
2
: an individual living thing that carries on the activities of life by means of organs which have separate functions but are dependent on each other : a living person, plant, or animal
Medical Definition
organism
noun
or·gan·ism
ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm
: an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of organs separate in function but mutually dependent : a living being
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