messenger RNA

noun

: an RNA produced by transcription that carries the code for a particular protein from the nuclear DNA to a ribosome in the cytoplasm and acts as a template for the formation of that protein compare transfer rna

Examples of messenger RNA in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The shots from both Moderna and Pfizer use messenger RNA technology. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2025

These vaccines deliver a snippet of genetic code—in the form of messenger RNA (mRNA)—to cells. —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2025

Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced yesterday that the federal government’s emergency preparedness agency, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, will no longer fund work on messenger RNA vaccines. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

The messenger RNA in Covid-19 vaccines instructs cells in the body to make a certain piece of the virus’ spike protein — the structure on the surface of the coronavirus. —Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 7 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

messenger RNA

noun

: an RNA that carries the code for a particular protein from DNA in the nucleus to a ribosome and that acts as a pattern for the formation of that protein compare transfer rna

Medical Definition

messenger RNA

noun

: an RNA produced by transcription that carries the code for a particular protein from the nuclear DNA to a ribosome in the cytoplasm and acts as a template for the formation of that protein

called also mRNA

compare transfer rna