fungal

adjective

fun·​gal ˈfəŋ-gəl 

1

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of fungi

2

: caused by a fungus

a fungal skin disease

Examples of fungal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rapid defoliation, black stem streaks, and browning leaves with spots across them are common signs of a fungal infection like boxwood blight. — The Spruce, 8 Sep. 2026

The fungal structures of either species inhabit soil where infected plant debris has decomposed. — Emily Leahy, Hartford Courant, 7 Sep. 2026

In Vermont, federal researchers are hoping to save American elm trees by infecting young saplings with the fungal disease that has nearly exterminated the tall, once prevalent, East Coast trees. — Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Those pellets were then placed into moulds and dried, allowing the fungal threads to come together and form a continuous sheet. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fungal

• jungle
• antifungal

Kids Definition

fungal

adjective

fun·​gal ˈfəŋ-gəl 

1

: of, relating to, or resembling fungi

2

: caused by a fungus

a fungal skin disease

Medical Definition

fungal

adjective

fun·​gal ˈfəŋ-gəl 

1

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of fungi

2

: caused by a fungus

fungal infections