species

1 of 2

noun

spe·​cies ˈspē-(ˌ)shēz 

-(ˌ)sēz

plural species

1

a

: kind, sort

b

: a class of individuals having common attributes and designated by a common name

specifically : a logical division of a genus or more comprehensive class

confessing sins in species and in number

c

: the human race : human beings

—often used with the

survival of the species in the nuclear age

d(1)

: a category of biological classification ranking immediately below the genus or subgenus, comprising related organisms or populations potentially capable of interbreeding, and being designated by a binomial that consists of the name of a genus followed by a Latin or latinized uncapitalized noun or adjective agreeing grammatically with the genus name

(2)

: an individual or kind belonging to a biological species

e

: a particular kind of atomic nucleus, atom, molecule, or ion

2

: the consecrated eucharistic elements of the Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox Eucharist

3

a

: a mental image

also : a sensible object

b

: an object of thought correlative with a natural object

species

2 of 2

adjective

: belonging to a biological species as distinguished from a horticultural variety

a species rose

Synonyms of species

Noun

• type
• kind
• category
• genus

Examples of species in a Sentence

Noun

There are approximately 8,000 species of ants.

All European domestic cattle belong to the same species.

laws that protect endangered species

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This spotting confirms to conservationists that the elusive species is breeding successfully in southern Thailand. —Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025

The dozen or so Denisovan fossils that had been identified since 2010 using DNA were too small and fragmentary to warrant an official species name. —Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 26 Dec. 2025

Adjective

Along with rustic cabins, the lodge boasts lush gardens, the Warrior Restaurant, an outdoor dining area and an infinity pool, all amid a multi-species habitat. —Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 18 Dec. 2025

But cooperative defense is not the only reason for cross-species communication. —Jesse Greenspan, Scientific American, 10 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Latin, appearance, kind, species, from specere to look — more at spy

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1899, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing species

• endangered species
• invasive species
• keystone species
• sibling species
• type species

Rhymes for species

• interspecies
• multispecies
• subspecies

Kids Definition

species

noun

spe·​cies

ˈspē-shēz, 

-sēz

plural species

1

: a class of things of the same kind and with the same name : kind

2

: a category of living things that ranks below a genus, is made up of related individuals able to produce fertile offspring, and is identified by a two-part scientific name

Medical Definition

species

noun

spe·​cies ˈspē-(ˌ)shēz  -(ˌ)sēz 

plural species

1

a

: a category of biological classification ranking immediately below the genus or subgenus, comprising related organisms or populations potentially capable of interbreeding, and being designated by a binomial that consists of the name of the genus followed by a Latin or latinized uncapitalized noun or adjective agreeing grammatically with the genus name

b

: an individual or kind belonging to a biological species

2

: a particular kind of atomic nucleus, atom, molecule, or ion

production of DNA damage by active oxygen species