plural fungi
ˈfən-ˌjī 
ˈfəŋ-ˌgī
also funguses
ˈfəŋ-gə-səz
ˈfəŋ-ˌgī
also funguses
ˈfəŋ-gə-səz
often attributive
: any of a kingdom (Fungi) of saprophytic and parasitic spore-producing eukaryotic typically filamentous organisms formerly classified as plants that lack chlorophyll and include molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts
Examples of fungus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This releases nutrient-rich fungi and bacteria to the soil, regulates soil temperature, and helps retain moisture.
—
Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 17 May 2026
The fungus affects pumpkins, squash and melons.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2026
As of March 2026, the fungus causing white-nose syndrome had been detected in 47 states, reaching as far west as California, Washington and Oregon.
—The Conversation, Fortune, 14 May 2026
Moisture is also critical, since morels and other fungi thrive in damp soil.
—Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for fungus
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.
Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 17 May 2026
The fungus affects pumpkins, squash and melons.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2026
As of March 2026, the fungus causing white-nose syndrome had been detected in 47 states, reaching as far west as California, Washington and Oregon.
—The Conversation, Fortune, 14 May 2026
Moisture is also critical, since morels and other fungi thrive in damp soil.
—Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for fungus
Cite this Entry
“Fungus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fungus. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fungus
noun
fun·gus
ˈfəŋ-gəs
1
: any of a kingdom of living things (as molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, and mushrooms) that lack chlorophyll, are parasitic or live on dead or decaying organic matter, and were formerly considered plants
2
: infection with a fungus
fungus
adjective
Medical Definition
fungus
noun
fun·gus
ˈfəŋ-gəs
plural fungi
ˈfən-ˌjī also ˈfəŋ-ˌgī
also funguses
ˈfəŋ-gə-səz
often attributive
1
: any of the kingdom Fungi of saprophytic and parasitic spore-producing eukaryotic typically filamentous organisms formerly classified as plants that lack chlorophyll and include molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts
2
: infection with a fungus
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
