germ

noun

ˈjərm How to pronounce germ (audio)
plural germs
Synonyms of germnext
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

Synonyms of germ

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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
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.
Now, to the handwashing shortcomings, such as a cashier handling customer’s payment, then preparing drinks and serving plates of food to customers without washing hands (cash and payment cards tend to be germ motherships). — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026 In August 2025, Health and Human Services also scaled down the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, known as FoodNet, which tracks food poisoning cases, slashing mandatory surveillance of six major germs, including cyclospora. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026 Compared with refined grains, whole grains retain the bran, germ, and endosperm, providing more fiber, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2026 Key Takeaways Clean your bathroom weekly to prevent germs and make the process more manageable. — Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for germ

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

Phrases Containing germ

Rhymes for germ

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Browse Nearby Words

Gerlachovsky
germ
German
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

germ

noun
ˈjərm How to pronounce germ (audio)
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
ˈjərm How to pronounce germ (audio)
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
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