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.
This prevents any bacteria or pathogens from harming the birds. Lauren David, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2025 Annual pruning results in several small pruning cuts that heal over quickly, sealing off the wound from pathogens. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Dec. 2025 But can coups, like the pathogens of many epidemics, be contagious? Jonathan Powell, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025 That composition includes both beneficial bacteria that can exert a positive influence and harmful bacteria (or pathogens) that can do the opposite. Caroline Tien, SELF, 12 Dec. 2025 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 17 Dec. 2025.

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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