often attributive
: any of a kingdom (Fungi) of saprophytic and parasitic spore-producing eukaryotic typically filamentous organisms formerly classified as plants that lack chlorophyll and include molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts

Examples of fungus 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.
According to Live Science, the Rochester residents died from pneumonia after the bat poop — also known as guano —released a harmful fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum. Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024 Frog populations crashed in lake after lake in the high Sierra as the deadly fungus moved across the landscape. Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 16 Nov. 2024 With Phoenix experiencing the hottest summer on record, the heat and lack of measurable precipitation created the perfect storm for the fungus to thrive. Lauren De Young, The Arizona Republic, 15 Nov. 2024 Frequent applications are normally needed following label instruction to keep leaves relatively free of the rust fungus spores producing the yellow look to the leaves and their decline. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fungus 

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

1527, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fungus was in 1527

Dictionary Entries Near fungus

Cite this Entry

“Fungus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fungus. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
: any of a kingdom of living things (as molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, and mushrooms) that lack chlorophyll, are parasitic or live on dead or decaying organic matter, and were formerly considered plants
2
: infection with a fungus
fungus adjective

Medical Definition

plural fungi
ˈfən-ˌjī also ˈfəŋ-ˌgī
also funguses ˈfəŋ-gə-səz How to pronounce fungus (audio)
often attributive
1
: any of the kingdom Fungi of saprophytic and parasitic spore-producing eukaryotic typically filamentous organisms formerly classified as plants that lack chlorophyll and include molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts
2
: infection with a fungus

More from Merriam-Webster on fungus

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