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
Du identified bristleworms, gastropods, clams, tubeworms and other organisms living in the extreme depths, supported not by sunlight but chemosynthetic microbes drawing energy from methane and sulfide seeping through the ocean floor.
—New Atlas, 31 Dec. 2025
People can potentially become ill from STEC within 28 days, typically within 34 days, after exposure to the organism, explained the notice.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
While 10 mice died and some flies didn’t survive, most of the animals came back alive, giving scientists valuable insight into how living organisms cope with spaceflight.
—Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 27 Dec. 2025
Any inanimate object is fundamentally just a collection of atoms; a living organism might be better understood as a dynamic pattern playing out over time.
—The Atlantic Science Desk, The Atlantic, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for organism
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New Atlas, 31 Dec. 2025
People can potentially become ill from STEC within 28 days, typically within 34 days, after exposure to the organism, explained the notice.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
While 10 mice died and some flies didn’t survive, most of the animals came back alive, giving scientists valuable insight into how living organisms cope with spaceflight.
—Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 27 Dec. 2025
Any inanimate object is fundamentally just a collection of atoms; a living organism might be better understood as a dynamic pattern playing out over time.
—The Atlantic Science Desk, The Atlantic, 27 Dec. 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 2 Jan. 2026.
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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