organism

1 of 2

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

organismic

2 of 2

adjective

or·​ga·​nis·​mic ¦ȯ(r)gə¦nizmik 

variants or less commonly organismal

-məl 

1

: of or belonging or relating to an organism especially as a functional whole

2

: of or relating to organicism or organic mechanism : holistic

the organismic theory of the state

organismically

-mə̇k(ə)lē 

adverb

Examples of organism in a Sentence

Noun

A human being is a complex organism.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Be aware that applying insecticides also can kill beneficial organisms in the soil, and that only certain products, applied at the right time, have a chance of being effective. — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026

This marked the first sighting of the organism in North America. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2026

Microbial evolution has crafted both deadly molecules and clever tricks to dodge death as the wee organisms endlessly battle over turf and resources. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026

Drawing parallels between plant breeding and human culture, Burbank saw the environment as a high-stakes arena in which an organism’s positive traits could lift it up, thus proving its fitness compared to its weaker peers. — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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