pathogen

noun

path·​o·​gen ˈpa-thə-jən How to pronounce pathogen (audio)
: a specific causative agent (such as a bacterium or virus) of disease

Examples of pathogen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sette is considered an expert on human T cells, the immune cells that adapt to recognize and fight infections from viruses, bacteria, parasites and other pathogens. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026 People should avoid swimming when warnings are posted so as to reduce their exposure to harmful pathogens. Ethan Stone, Ascend Agency, 25 Jan. 2026 Creating a ring of immunity in this way limits a pathogen’s ability to infect others. Helen Branswell, STAT, 25 Jan. 2026 These diseases still affect populations today, making this discovery significant for understanding the history of this pathogen. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pathogen

Word History

Etymology

patho- + -gen, after pathogenic, pathogenesis

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pathogen was in 1880

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pathogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathogen. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

pathogen

noun
patho·​gen
ˈpath-ə-jən
: a germ (as a bacterium or virus) that causes disease

Medical Definition

pathogen

noun
patho·​gen ˈpath-ə-jən How to pronounce pathogen (audio)
: a specific causative agent (as a bacterium or virus) of disease

More from Merriam-Webster on pathogen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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