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
As well as looking at the process in cultured cells the research team tested the sensor in a common worm model organism.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 9 Dec. 2025
Nonstop flights between Denver and the Cayman Islands on American Airlines, United Airlines, or Cayman Airways can lead to a nighttime kayaking adventure with Cayman Kayaks through Bioluminescent Bay, to see the water sparkle thanks to glowing organisms.
—Mindy Sink, Denver Post, 7 Dec. 2025
Most of the organisms were marine bristle worms, crustaceans, and mollusks such as snails and mussels.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 7 Dec. 2025
The Earth resembles one large vegetable organism, and plants are also colonizing outer space.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2025
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Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 9 Dec. 2025
Nonstop flights between Denver and the Cayman Islands on American Airlines, United Airlines, or Cayman Airways can lead to a nighttime kayaking adventure with Cayman Kayaks through Bioluminescent Bay, to see the water sparkle thanks to glowing organisms.
—Mindy Sink, Denver Post, 7 Dec. 2025
Most of the organisms were marine bristle worms, crustaceans, and mollusks such as snails and mussels.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 7 Dec. 2025
The Earth resembles one large vegetable organism, and plants are also colonizing outer space.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 6 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 11 Dec. 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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