organism
noun
or·gan·ism
ˈȯr-gə-ˌni-zəm 
1
: a complex structure of interdependent and subordinate elements whose relations and properties are largely determined by their function in the whole
the nation is not merely the sum of individual citizens at any given time, but it is a living organism, a mystical body … of which the individual is an ephemeral part—
Joseph Rossi
Joseph Rossi2
: an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of parts or organs more or less separate in function but mutually dependent : a living being
a multicellular organism
Examples of organism in a Sentence
A human being is a complex organism.
Recent Examples on the Web
This allows other organisms to set up shop and overproduce—like yeast, for instance, or a bunch of bad-guy bacteria, the latter of which paves the way for bacterial vaginosis and symptoms like irritation, burning, fishy odor, and discharge in some people.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 7 July 2025
To find food and move toward it, these organisms detected chemical gradients.
—Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 3 July 2025
Known as the Sponge Capital of the World, the area’s major commodity is the super-absorbent multicellular organism that’s found on the ocean floor.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 2 July 2025
The tiny organisms can cause vibriosis, which may lead to watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, or more serious complications in some cases, per the CDC.
—Jillian Frankel, People.com, 2 July 2025
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Erica Sloan, SELF, 7 July 2025
To find food and move toward it, these organisms detected chemical gradients.
—Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 3 July 2025
Known as the Sponge Capital of the World, the area’s major commodity is the super-absorbent multicellular organism that’s found on the ocean floor.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 2 July 2025
The tiny organisms can cause vibriosis, which may lead to watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, or more serious complications in some cases, per the CDC.
—Jillian Frankel, People.com, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for organism
Cite this Entry
“Organism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organism. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
organism
noun
or·gan·ism
ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm
1
: something having many related parts that function together as a whole
2
: an individual living thing that carries on the activities of life by means of organs which have separate functions but are dependent on each other : a living person, plant, or animal
Medical Definition
organism
noun
or·gan·ism
ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm
: an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of organs separate in function but mutually dependent : a living being
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