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
2
: something that initiates development or serves as an origin : rudiments, beginning
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 Ella was terrified of germs, so tutors and barbers often came to them. Kc Cole, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Mar. 2024 Whole grains are grains that keep intact the bran and germ, which each contain tons of essential nutrients. Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024 The heated mist also helps reduce bacteria and germs inside the unit. Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2024 Many foods can carry harmful germs like Salmonella and Listeria. Steph Coelho, Health, 10 Feb. 2024 The steam mop sanitizes floors, removing up to 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria without having to rely on chemicals. Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 Cody had had the germ of the idea, about a teenager and a corpse, for a while, and was spurred to complete it during the pandemic. Melena Ryzik, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2024 In addition, the landfilling contaminates the underground watersheds in the region and attracts mosquitoes, bugs and germs to cause local health problems. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 3 Feb. 2024 The article became the germ of his first and best known book. Emily Langer, Washington Post, 2 Feb. 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

Etymology

French germe, from Latin germin-, germen, from gignere to beget — more at kin

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of germ was circa 1550

Dictionary Entries Near germ

Cite this Entry

“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/germ. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

germ

noun
1
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

noun
1
: 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

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