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
Why should any organism spend time pursuing such a wide range of goals, particularly if most of them have nothing to do with survival?
—Eli Elster, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
The Biotic and Abiotic Factors of High-Performing Teams In biological ecosystems, success depends on both biotic factors (the living organisms) and abiotic factors (the non-living environmental conditions).
—Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Preserved pollen grains and other spores told them about the diversity of plant life in the refugium, something like an oasis where there is food and water available, and environmental conditions are moderate enough to keep organisms surviving through natural disasters and other adverse conditions.
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 18 Mar. 2025
There is no lack of virulent organisms floating around this time of year, including the ever-present COVID.
—Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for organism
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Eli Elster, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
The Biotic and Abiotic Factors of High-Performing Teams In biological ecosystems, success depends on both biotic factors (the living organisms) and abiotic factors (the non-living environmental conditions).
—Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Preserved pollen grains and other spores told them about the diversity of plant life in the refugium, something like an oasis where there is food and water available, and environmental conditions are moderate enough to keep organisms surviving through natural disasters and other adverse conditions.
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 18 Mar. 2025
There is no lack of virulent organisms floating around this time of year, including the ever-present COVID.
—Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for organism
Cite this Entry
“Organism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organism. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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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