dip·loid
ˈdi-ˌplȯid 
: having or involving two sets of homologous chromosomes
diploid somatic cells
In land plants, genome size increased by leaps and bounds after the diploid generation became dominant in the life cycle.—
Yin-Long Qui et al.
compare haploid
Yin-Long Qui et al.
plural diploids
: a single cell, individual, or generation characterized by two complete sets of chromosomes
In genetic terms, the majority of wild tulips are diploids, with twenty-four chromosomes marching in harmony.—Anna Pavord
Anna PavordExamples of diploid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
Genomicists think that the ancestors of sturgeons were diploid until all their chromosomes doubled and the fish became tetraploid.
—Quanta Magazine, 5 Aug. 2020
So farmers plant sterile triploid plants along with diploid plants.
—Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 3 July 2020
This means humans are diploid, or contain two full sets of chromosomes.
—Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 16 Jan. 2020
Clones simply split in two or bud to generate identical copies of themselves, or produce self-sufficient diploid eggs that don’t require fertilization by sperm.
—Joann C Gutin, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019
Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Therefore, triploid genetics won't eliminate diploids, as triploids are unsuitable for breeding.
—Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
In another form of parthenogenesis, apomixis, reproductive cells replicate via mitosis, a process in which the cell duplicates to create two diploid cells—a kind of genetic copy-and-paste.
—Corryn Wetzel, National Geographic, 25 Aug. 2020
The triploids can’t self-pollinate (because their pollen is not viable) but bees can carry the viable diploid pollen to the triploid flowers to complete fertilization.
—Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 3 July 2020
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Adjective
Lind assures that there will always be a need for diploid cannabis because a parent plant is required to produce triploid plants.
—Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
Genomicists think that the ancestors of sturgeons were diploid until all their chromosomes doubled and the fish became tetraploid.
—Quanta Magazine, 5 Aug. 2020
So farmers plant sterile triploid plants along with diploid plants.
—Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 3 July 2020
This means humans are diploid, or contain two full sets of chromosomes.
—Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 16 Jan. 2020
Clones simply split in two or bud to generate identical copies of themselves, or produce self-sufficient diploid eggs that don’t require fertilization by sperm.
—Joann C Gutin, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019
Noun
When a diploid is crossed with a tetraploid, triploids often result.
—Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Therefore, triploid genetics won't eliminate diploids, as triploids are unsuitable for breeding.
—Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
In another form of parthenogenesis, apomixis, reproductive cells replicate via mitosis, a process in which the cell duplicates to create two diploid cells—a kind of genetic copy-and-paste.
—Corryn Wetzel, National Geographic, 25 Aug. 2020
The triploids can’t self-pollinate (because their pollen is not viable) but bees can carry the viable diploid pollen to the triploid flowers to complete fertilization.
—Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 3 July 2020
Cite this Entry
“Diploid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diploid. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
diploid
2 of 2 noun
: a single cell, individual, or generation characterized by the diploid chromosome number
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