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
Thus, at the time, Eisen along with others at the University of Oregon were working to establish the zebrafish as a new model organism for clinical work as well as biological research.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 26 June 2024
The looks shift and change like a living organism from season to season, creating new trends and new styling tricks, giving those who dare plenty of opportunities for the ultimate creative personal expression.
—Alex Badia, WWD, 25 June 2024
Listeria is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in the young, frail or elderly, according to the FDA.
—Alain Sherter, CBS News, 25 June 2024
Experts suspect that the organism must store the extra length of this feeding apparatus somewhere to be able to retrieve it so quickly.
—Lars Fischer, Scientific American, 14 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for organism 
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 26 June 2024
The looks shift and change like a living organism from season to season, creating new trends and new styling tricks, giving those who dare plenty of opportunities for the ultimate creative personal expression.
—Alex Badia, WWD, 25 June 2024
Listeria is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in the young, frail or elderly, according to the FDA.
—Alain Sherter, CBS News, 25 June 2024
Experts suspect that the organism must store the extra length of this feeding apparatus somewhere to be able to retrieve it so quickly.
—Lars Fischer, Scientific American, 14 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for organism
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'organism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near organism
Cite this Entry
“Organism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organism. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share