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
According to the brand, it’s equipped with 99.97 percent filtration efficiency to capture all sorts of germs and allergens from the air, including pollen, dust, smoke, and pet dander.
—
Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024
It’s coated with an invisible silver-ion coating that also prevents the spread of germs.
—Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2024
Another is working with them on flexible sick leave policies and strategies, including remote work when folks are sick to reduce the spread of these viruses and other germs.
—Rhett Buttle, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Instead of cutting uneven slices of cake or spreading a bunch of germs with a big-batch dessert, these small creations are an easy, safe way to serve dessert this season.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2024
Bacteria and other germs can enter the bloodstream if the line isn’t inserted or cleaned properly, or if the fluid being administered isn’t sterile.
Allowing tap water directly into the bloodstream is not safe because a waterborne pathogen could enter the body and cause an infection.
—Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 2 Mar. 2024
The addition of a novel germ has complicated and expanded respiratory virus season, which was already notoriously difficult to predict.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 22 Mar. 2024
This happens when germs enter the bloodstream and damage blood vessels and organs.
—Sarah Lemire, Health, 19 Mar. 2024
This drug-free nasal suction device works quickly to soothe nasal passages by sucking out mucus, allergens and germs.
—Nora Colomer, Fox News, 18 Mar. 2024
Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024
It’s coated with an invisible silver-ion coating that also prevents the spread of germs.
—Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2024
Another is working with them on flexible sick leave policies and strategies, including remote work when folks are sick to reduce the spread of these viruses and other germs.
—Rhett Buttle, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Instead of cutting uneven slices of cake or spreading a bunch of germs with a big-batch dessert, these small creations are an easy, safe way to serve dessert this season.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2024
Bacteria and other germs can enter the bloodstream if the line isn’t inserted or cleaned properly, or if the fluid being administered isn’t sterile.
Allowing tap water directly into the bloodstream is not safe because a waterborne pathogen could enter the body and cause an infection.
—Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 2 Mar. 2024
The addition of a novel germ has complicated and expanded respiratory virus season, which was already notoriously difficult to predict.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 22 Mar. 2024
This happens when germs enter the bloodstream and damage blood vessels and organs.
—Sarah Lemire, Health, 19 Mar. 2024
This drug-free nasal suction device works quickly to soothe nasal passages by sucking out mucus, allergens and germs.
—Nora Colomer, Fox News, 18 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'germ.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing germ
Dictionary Entries Near germ
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/germ. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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Kids 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
More from Merriam-Webster on germ
Nglish: Translation of germ for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of germ for Arabic Speakers
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