genetics

noun

ge·​net·​ics jə-ˈne-tiks How to pronounce genetics (audio)
plural in form but singular in construction
1
: a branch of biology that deals with the heredity and variation of organisms
2
: the genetic makeup and phenomena of an organism, type, group, or condition
geneticist
jə-ˈne-tə-sist How to pronounce genetics (audio)
noun

Examples of genetics 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.
The average dog lives 10 to 13 years, according to Pet MD, though size, breed and genetics shift that number dramatically. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026 Oncologists disagree on how broadly genetics discoveries will transform cancer diagnosis. — Arthur Allen, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026 In the past decade or so, some genetics researchers have had remarkable success in identifying high-impact genetic differences in a subset of people with profound autism. — Pien Huang, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026 To mitigate those losses, scientists are developing a wide range of tools—combining advances in genetics, breeding, and crop physiology—to make agriculture more resilient to climate risks. — Derek Norman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for genetics

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of genetics was in 1905

Phrases Containing genetics

Rhymes for genetics

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Browse Nearby Words

genetic mutation
genetics
genetic spiral
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Cite this Entry

“Genetics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genetics. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

genetics

noun
ge·​net·​ics jə-ˈnet-iks How to pronounce genetics (audio)
: a branch of biology that deals with the inherited traits and variation of organisms

Medical Definition

genetics

noun, plural in form but singular in construction
ge·​net·​ics jə-ˈnet-iks How to pronounce genetics (audio)
1
a
: a branch of biology that deals with the heredity and variation of organisms
b
: a treatise or textbook on genetics
2
: the genetic makeup and phenomena of an organism, type, group, or condition

More from Merriam-Webster on genetics

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about genetics

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