pathogen
noun
path·o·gen
ˈpa-thə-jən 
: a specific causative agent (such as a bacterium or virus) of disease
Examples of pathogen in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Seal the cut end of the stem with powdered cinnamon to protect it from pathogens.
—
Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026
The result would be a checkerboard of vaccine regulations, which could mean gaps in national protection against pathogens.
—Helen Branswell, STAT, 5 Jan. 2026
Because iron is essential for the pathogen, researchers believe drugs that block this process could eventually stop infections or even allow existing medications to be repurposed.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 3 Jan. 2026
This group of fungal pathogens affects hundreds of plants, from important food crops to trees, shrubs, and flowers.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pathogen
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.
Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026
The result would be a checkerboard of vaccine regulations, which could mean gaps in national protection against pathogens.
—Helen Branswell, STAT, 5 Jan. 2026
Because iron is essential for the pathogen, researchers believe drugs that block this process could eventually stop infections or even allow existing medications to be repurposed.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 3 Jan. 2026
This group of fungal pathogens affects hundreds of plants, from important food crops to trees, shrubs, and flowers.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pathogen
Cite this Entry
“Pathogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathogen. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
pathogen
noun
patho·gen
ˈpath-ə-jən
: a specific causative agent (as a bacterium or virus) of disease
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share