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
The fossil chemicals in question are a special types of steranes, which are the geologically stable form of sterols, like cholesterol, that are found in the cell membranes of complex organisms.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
The system is not yet ready for use inside a living organism.
—New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2025
Similarly, corporations in the real world can be viewed as immortal, nonbiological organisms driven to grow, consume resources, and protect themselves.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 29 Sep. 2025
Most countries—and global bodies such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature—cannot assess, and therefore cannot protect, unnamed organisms.
—Marion Renault, The Atlantic, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for organism
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Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
The system is not yet ready for use inside a living organism.
—New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2025
Similarly, corporations in the real world can be viewed as immortal, nonbiological organisms driven to grow, consume resources, and protect themselves.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 29 Sep. 2025
Most countries—and global bodies such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature—cannot assess, and therefore cannot protect, unnamed organisms.
—Marion Renault, The Atlantic, 29 Sep. 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 6 Oct. 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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