biological

adjective

bi·​o·​log·​i·​cal ˌbī-ə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

variants or less commonly biologic

ˌbī-ə-ˈlä-jik 

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

ˌbī-ə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• birth
• legitimate
• natural

Examples of biological in a Sentence

the rights of the biological father in this case

Recent Examples on the Web

Sean Combs' family tree, explained Diddy had his first biological son, Justin Combs, 31, with fashion designer and stylist Misa Hylton. —Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025

For scientists, that discrepancy keeps open — but does not confirm — the possibility of a biological origin. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025

When her biological daughter turned 7, however, something shifted. —Nicole Chung, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025

However, a healthcare provider can tailor your walking needs based on your genetic history, adjusting for biological demands. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 2 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing biological

• biological clock
• biological control
• biological oxygen demand
• biological parent
• biological warfare
• biological weapon
• non-biological

Rhymes for biological

• analogical
• astrological
• christological
• chronological
• cosmological
• cytological
• dialogical
• ecological
• ethnological
• ethological
• geological
• histological

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

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb