organism
noun
or·gan·ism
ˈȯr-gə-ˌni-zəm 
1
: a complex structure of interdependent and subordinate elements whose relations and properties are largely determined by their function in the whole
The nation is not merely the sum of individual citizens at any given time, but it is a living organism, a mystical body … of which the individual is an ephemeral part …—
Joseph Rossi
Joseph Rossi2
: an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of parts or organs more or less separate in function but mutually dependent : a living being
a multicellular organism
Examples of organism in a Sentence
A human being is a complex organism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Scavengers were plentiful on the more recent remains, with one whale fall hosting up to 2,840 organisms in a single square meter.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 12 June 2026
But for many marine organisms that are highly adapted to specific water temperatures, marine heat waves can make living in the ocean feel like running a marathon.
—Dillon Amaya, The Conversation, 12 June 2026
The problem has plagued the pool for years, as direct sunlight exposure and surrounding wildlife have caused a perfect storm for the buildup of the organisms.
—Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 12 June 2026
In his nonfiction exploration, Kershenbaum asserts that our understanding of the evolution of life on Earth provides a solid scaffolding for projecting what alien organisms might really be like.
—Alexandra Oliva, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for organism
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Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 12 June 2026
But for many marine organisms that are highly adapted to specific water temperatures, marine heat waves can make living in the ocean feel like running a marathon.
—Dillon Amaya, The Conversation, 12 June 2026
The problem has plagued the pool for years, as direct sunlight exposure and surrounding wildlife have caused a perfect storm for the buildup of the organisms.
—Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 12 June 2026
In his nonfiction exploration, Kershenbaum asserts that our understanding of the evolution of life on Earth provides a solid scaffolding for projecting what alien organisms might really be like.
—Alexandra Oliva, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for organism
Cite this Entry
“Organism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organism. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
organism
noun
or·gan·ism
ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm
1
: something having many related parts that function together as a whole
2
: an individual living thing that carries on the activities of life by means of organs which have separate functions but are dependent on each other : a living person, plant, or animal
Medical Definition
organism
noun
or·gan·ism
ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm
: an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of organs separate in function but mutually dependent : a living being
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