gene pool

noun

: the collection of genes in an interbreeding population that includes each gene at a certain frequency in relation to its alleles : the genetic information of a population of interbreeding organisms
the human gene pool

Examples of gene pool in a Sentence

the gene pool of a species
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 2011, Mexico wildlife officials released five wolves south of the border in the Sonoran desert, hoping to establish a separate population that would help vary the gene pool. Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 28 Nov. 2025 The cats established the gene pool of the modern domestic cat and appeared to spread around Europe with the rise of the Roman Empire about 2,000 years ago, the study noted. Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 28 Nov. 2025 Introgression occurs when a parent species repeatedly transfers genetic material into the gene pool of another species, according to Science Direct. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 26 Nov. 2025 Kistler speculated that village dogs, which have more opportunities to get intimate with wolves, could be how wolf DNA was getting into the dog gene pool. CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gene pool

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gene pool was in 1941

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Cite this Entry

“Gene pool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene%20pool. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.

Medical Definition

gene pool

noun
: the collection of genes in an interbreeding population that includes each gene at a certain frequency in relation to its alleles : the genetic information of a population of interbreeding organisms
the human gene pool

More from Merriam-Webster on gene pool

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