plural germs
1
a
: a small mass of living substance capable of developing into an organism or one of its parts
b
: the embryo with the scutellum of a cereal grain that is usually separated from the starchy endosperm during milling
3
: a microorganism causing disease : a pathogenic agent (such as a bacterium or virus)
broadly
: microorganism
Examples of germ in a Sentence
the germ that causes tuberculosis
the germ of an idea
the germ layers of an embryo
Recent Examples on the Web
How to spot brewing diseases There’s precedent for germs invading major sporting events.
—
Lauran Neergaard, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
Dishwashers really do need the occasional cleaning, though, because over time grease, soap scum, and food debris can build up, reducing efficiency and providing a breeding ground for germs.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 June 2026
Still, travel experts say some spaces are more prone to germ buildup simply because of how frequently they’re used.
—Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026
While millions of soccer fans cheer or groan over World Cup matches spanning North America, health officials will be on high alert for germs.
—Lauren Neergaard, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for germ
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Lauran Neergaard, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
Dishwashers really do need the occasional cleaning, though, because over time grease, soap scum, and food debris can build up, reducing efficiency and providing a breeding ground for germs.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 June 2026
Still, travel experts say some spaces are more prone to germ buildup simply because of how frequently they’re used.
—Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026
While millions of soccer fans cheer or groan over World Cup matches spanning North America, health officials will be on high alert for germs.
—Lauren Neergaard, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for germ
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/germ. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
germ
noun1
a
: a small mass of living substance capable of developing into a whole individual or one of its parts
b
: the embryo in the seed of a cereal (as corn or wheat) together with its cotyledon that is usually separated from the starchy part of the seed during milling
2
: something that serves as an origin
the germ of an idea
3
: a microscopic living thing
especially
: one that causes disease
Medical Definition
germ
noun1
: a small mass of living substance capable of developing into an organism or one of its parts
2
: a microorganism causing disease : a pathogenic agent (as a bacterium or virus)
broadly
: microorganism
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