gene

noun

ˈjēn How to pronounce gene (audio)
plural genes
: a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome and that is the functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the structure of a particular polypeptide and especially a protein or controlling the function of other genetic material

Examples of gene in a Sentence

She inherited a good set of genes from her parents.
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.
State has been a pioneer in identifying high-risk genes, and the mutations in those genes, that are associated with profound autism. — Pien Huang, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026 Such color variations are thought to be associated with camouflage, protection against parasites and ultraviolet radiation, and the effects of pleiotropic genes (genes that influence more than one, usually unrelated, physical trait or phenotype). — Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026 Almost as soon as the goatsbeard acquired the extra DNA, the plants started to tinker with their surplus of genes — changing some genes, getting rid of others, keeping a few, Douglas Soltis said. — Carrie Arnold contributing, Quanta Magazine, 2 Sep. 2026 There is no single gene for height nor is there a single gene for being extroverted, agreeable, or conscientious. — Jessica Craig, Popular Science, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gene

Word History

Etymology

German Gen, short for Pangen, from pan- + -gen

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gene was in 1909

Phrases Containing gene

Rhymes for gene

See All Rhymes for gene

Browse Nearby Words

gender variance
gene
genealogical
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gene

noun
ˈjēn How to pronounce gene (audio)
: a part of DNA or sometimes RNA that is usually located on a chromosome and that contains chemical information needed to make a particular protein (as an enzyme) controlling or influencing an inherited bodily trait or activity (as eye color or metabolism) or that influences or controls the activity of another gene or genes

Medical Definition

gene

noun
ˈjēn How to pronounce gene (audio)
: a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome and that is the functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the structure of a particular polypeptide and especially a protein or controlling the function of other genetic material

called also determinant, determiner, factor

More from Merriam-Webster on gene

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gene

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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