biological

adjective

bi·​o·​log·​i·​cal ˌbī-ə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce biological (audio)
variants or less commonly biologic
Synonyms of biologicalnext
1
: of or relating to biology or to life and living processes
2
: used in or produced by applied biology
3
: connected by direct genetic relationship rather than by adoption or marriage
her biological father
biologically adverb

Examples of biological in a Sentence

the rights of the biological father in this case
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.
In short, substrate independence is the notion that mind and consciousness need not be limited exclusively to biological brains. Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026 The new pipeline breaks that pattern by targeting hair loss through three distinct biological routes. Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2026 Cherica Adams was Saundra Adams’ only biological child. Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2026 How pheromone perfume is supposed to work Pheromones are biological cues the body releases naturally. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for biological

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of biological was in 1818

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Cite this Entry

“Biological.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biological. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

biological

adjective
bi·​o·​log·​i·​cal
ˌbī-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl
variants also biologic
-ˈläj-ik
1
: of or relating to biology or to life and living things
2
: connected by a relationship involving heredity rather than by one involving adoption or marriage
his biological father
biologically
-ˈläj-i-k(ə-)lē
adverb

Medical Definition

biological

adjective
variants also biologic
1
: of or relating to biology or to life and living processes
2
: used in or produced by applied biology
3
: related by direct genetic relationship rather than by adoption or marriage
an adoptee who searched for years for her biological parents
biologically adverb

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