What does "organism" mean?
A discrete and complete living thing, such as animal, plant, fungus or microorganism.
Organism
/ˈɔː.ɡəˌnɪz.əm/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A discrete and complete living thing, such as animal, plant, fungus or microorganism.
- Grammar: organism is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: being, aerobic organism, an existence, anaerobic organism.
- Useful contrasts: nonliving system, nonliving thing, most nonlife.
- Usage evidence: The brain may be regarded as a kind of parasite of the organism, a pensioner, as it were, who dwells with the body.
How to use "organism"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "organism" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "organism" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "organism" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "organism" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "organism" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "being" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "organism", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A discrete and complete living thing, such as animal, plant, fungus or microorganism.
"Plastics are energy-rich substances, which is why many of them burn so readily. Any organism that could unlock and use that energy would do well in the Anthropocene. Terrestrial bacteria and fungi which can manage this trick are already familiar to experts in the field."
- 2 a living thing that has (or can develop) the ability to act or function independently wordnet
- 3 Something with many separate interdependent parts, seen as being like a living thing; an organic system.
"For the first time, Edith was aware of the hotel as a well populated organism, its attendants merely resting until an appropriate occasion should summon them to present themselves […]."
- 4 a system considered analogous in structure or function to a living body wordnet
- 5 The fact of being organic; organicity. obsolete, rare
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The brain may be regarded as a kind of parasite of the organism, a pensioner, as it were, who dwells with the body."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "organism"?
Common synonyms include: being, aerobic organism, an existence, anaerobic organism, anatomy, animal.
How do you use "organism" in a sentence?
The brain may be regarded as a kind of parasite of the organism, a pensioner, as it were, who dwells with the body.
How do you pronounce "organism"?
Pronounced /ˈɔː.ɡəˌnɪz.əm/.
Etymology
First attested in 1701; from organ + -ism, from Ancient Greek ὄργανον (órganon, “a tool, instrument”), from Proto-Indo-European *werǵ- (“work”). Compare New Latin organismus.