organelle

noun

or·​gan·​elle ˌȯr-gə-ˈnel 

: a specialized cellular part (such as a mitochondrion, chloroplast, or nucleus) that has a specific function and is considered analogous to an organ

Examples of organelle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Converging lines of biophysical and biochemical evidence have led researchers to focus on mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles found in most cells of the body. —Lynne Peeples, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2026

For starters, slow running stimulates your body to make more mitochondria–the little organelles in your cells that create the energy that fuels your movements–and also spurs your existing mitochondria to grow bigger, Hamilton says. —Jenny McCoy, SELF, 20 Mar. 2026

This is a crucial function as mitochondria are the tiny organelles in cells that provide 90 percent of the energy needed to power your body, and poor-functioning mitochondria can lead to cellular aging. —Emma Loewe, Outside, 26 Feb. 2026

Human cells are extremely small and tightly packed – at about 20 micrometers across, roughly one-fifth the width of a human hair, each cell contains a dense mix of proteins, organelles, and molecular machinery. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 18 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin organella, from Latin organum

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for organelle

• bagatelle
• caravel
• carousel
• carrousel
• citadel
• clientele
• commonweal
• decibel
• demoiselle
• fontanelle
• infidel
• isabel

Kids Definition

organelle

noun

or·​gan·​elle ˌȯr-gə-ˈnel 

: a structure (as a mitochondrion) in a cell that performs a special function

Medical Definition

organelle

noun

or·​gan·​elle ˌȯr-gə-ˈnel 

: a specialized cellular part (as a mitochondrion or nucleus) that has a specific function and is considered analogous to an organ