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
or·ga·nis·mic
¦ȯ(r)gə¦nizmik
variants
or less commonly organismal
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
Examples of organism in a Sentence
Noun
A human being is a complex organism.
Recent Examples on the Web
ArsTechnica, 6 June 2026
The findings offer a rare glimpse into ancient human life and the microscopic organisms that have survived alongside the mummy for thousands of years.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 4 June 2026
The researchers contend that our moon offers a naturally sterile and isolated environment that can act as humanity's first line of biological defense against organisms perhaps harmful to Earth and its life.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 3 June 2026
The mummy is, in a very real sense, a living biological interface — a meeting point between the ancient world and the present, where microbes from 5,000 years ago coexist with organisms that arrived last decade.
—CBS News, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for organism
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Noun
And like the yeast, the bacteria seem to still be alive, in the slow way of organisms that live in the cold.
—ArsTechnica, 6 June 2026
The findings offer a rare glimpse into ancient human life and the microscopic organisms that have survived alongside the mummy for thousands of years.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 4 June 2026
The researchers contend that our moon offers a naturally sterile and isolated environment that can act as humanity's first line of biological defense against organisms perhaps harmful to Earth and its life.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 3 June 2026
The mummy is, in a very real sense, a living biological interface — a meeting point between the ancient world and the present, where microbes from 5,000 years ago coexist with organisms that arrived last decade.
—CBS News, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for organism
Cite this Entry
“Organism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organism. Accessed 10 Jun. 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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