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

2

: 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

organismic

ˌȯr-gə-ˈniz-mik 

adjective

or less commonly organismal

ˌȯr-gə-ˈniz-məl 

organismically

ˌȯr-gə-ˈniz-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of organism in a Sentence

A human being is a complex organism.

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s now expected that at least some of the bumpy, rock-like organisms that make up Florida’s reef will sicken and spit out the algae living within them that provide food and shade. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 8 July 2026

How are those aims represented (if at all) in the molecular or neural mechanics of the organism? — Quanta Magazine, 8 July 2026

The marine organism contains bacteria capable of producing a toxin that could eventually become a widely available drug. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 7 July 2026

These sequences can be used to not only identify the species that the fragments of DNA came from, but also to narrow down the area where the organism originated. — Jenny Whilde, The Conversation, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1774, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing organism

• genetically modified organism
• mycoplasma-like organism
• pleuropneumonia-like organism

Rhymes for organism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism

Kids 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

organismic

ˌȯr-gə-ˈniz-mik 

adjective

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

organismic

ˌȯr-gə-ˈniz-mik 

adjective

also organismal

-məl 

organismically

-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb