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 team showed that this gliding persists down to –15 degree Celsius, setting a new benchmark for cellular motility in complex, nucleus-bearing organisms.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
The mottling on the rock could indicate that ancient chemical reactions occurring within it once supported microbial organisms.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Audiences often identify the creative core of a band with its songwriters or most visible performers who are often one and the same, but groups are organisms that rely on the positive interactions of the participants to achieve commercial results.
—Mike Alleyne, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The crew is being hunted by an organism that can inhabit anyone nearby and mimic its prey.
—Echo Apsey, Space.com, 9 Sep. 2025
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Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
The mottling on the rock could indicate that ancient chemical reactions occurring within it once supported microbial organisms.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Audiences often identify the creative core of a band with its songwriters or most visible performers who are often one and the same, but groups are organisms that rely on the positive interactions of the participants to achieve commercial results.
—Mike Alleyne, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The crew is being hunted by an organism that can inhabit anyone nearby and mimic its prey.
—Echo Apsey, Space.com, 9 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 17 Sep. 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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