fungal

adjective

fun·​gal ˈfəŋ-gəl How to pronounce fungal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of fungi
2
: caused by a fungus
a fungal skin disease

Examples of fungal 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.
In this love letter to the landscapes of New York state, Kaishian reveals the kaleidoscopic complexity of gender and sexuality in the plant, fungal, and animal worlds. — Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026 Up to 80% of a plant’s phosphorus first passes through a fungal network. — Quanta Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026 Powdery mildew, a fungal disease that stunts plants’ growth and destroys their fruit, affects grapevines in every wine-growing region of the world. — Matt Alderton, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 Plant viburnum in soil with moderate moisture—the shrubs can succumb to fungal diseases in wet spots. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fungal

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fungal was in 1842

Rhymes for fungal

See All Rhymes for fungal

Browse Nearby Words

Fung
fungal
Fungales
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fungal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fungal. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fungal

adjective
fun·​gal ˈfəŋ-gəl How to pronounce fungal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or resembling fungi
2
: caused by a fungus
a fungal skin disease

Medical Definition

fungal

adjective
fun·​gal ˈfəŋ-gəl How to pronounce fungal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of fungi
2
: caused by a fungus
fungal infections
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