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.
Some of these ancient microbes show strong resemblances to modern pathogens. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2025 Pollutions include motor oil, animal waste, pesticides, trash and pathogens. Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2025 Fruit left on the ground creates a mess and harbors pests and pathogens over winter. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2025 Packing in actual ice usually leads to a messy meltwater issue, potentially spreading pathogens (particularly from seafood), while cold gel packs are contained within plastic sleeves that are bulky and not compostable. ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 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 8 Sep. 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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