biosecurity

noun

bio·​se·​cu·​ri·​ty ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-si-ˈkyu̇r-ə-tē How to pronounce biosecurity (audio)
: security from exposure to harmful biological agents
also : measures taken to ensure this security

Examples of biosecurity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Google plans to combine its robotic control framework with molecular discovery workflows, with human oversight and biosecurity screening retained throughout the process. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026 The White House accord is an important acknowledgment that biosecurity belongs at the center of the AI safety conversation. — Raj Panjabi, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026 Still, the biosecurity expert cautioned against projecting onto the Russians how the US would handle a biosecurity incident. — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026 Tedros added that the WHO has offered technical support related to plague and lab biosafety and biosecurity. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for biosecurity

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of biosecurity was in 1973

Rhymes for biosecurity

See All Rhymes for biosecurity

Browse Nearby Words

bioscope
biosecurity
biosensor
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Biosecurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biosecurity. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

biosecurity

noun
bio·​se·​cu·​ri·​ty ˌbī-ō-si-ˈkyu̇r-ə-tē How to pronounce biosecurity (audio)
: security from exposure to harmful biological agents (such as pathogenic microorganisms)
You would expect the organisation responsible for ensuring biosecurity in labs working with dangerous animal pathogens like foot and mouth disease to know about any accidents that have occurred in those labs.—Linda Geddes, New Scientist
also : measures taken to ensure this security
In areas where poultry farms are on adjoining or nearby properties or in areas tied together by common waterways, roads, or flyways, the risk of disease spread from one farm to another is greatly increased no matter what type of biosecurity is practiced by individual farms. —Carol J. Cardona, in Avian Influenza
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