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
When disturbed, the fungus releases spores that can cause severe respiratory infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
—
Justin Stebbing, JSTOR Daily, 24 July 2025
The fungus destabilizes the tree and doubles as a food source for the beetles and their growing larvae.
—Calista Oetama, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2025
The interaction is mutually beneficial – mycorrhizal fungi receive sugars and carbon from its host, which in turn is aided by the fungus in its absorption of water and nutrients.
—Emily Leahy, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2025
Guiding fungi to lay their filaments in strategic directions could push performance much higher, opening doors in sectors where strength-to-weight ratio is king: think sporting goods cores, building-insulation panels or lightweight fillers inside aircraft panels.
—Mohamed Khalil Elhachimi, The Conversation, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for fungus
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Justin Stebbing, JSTOR Daily, 24 July 2025
The fungus destabilizes the tree and doubles as a food source for the beetles and their growing larvae.
—Calista Oetama, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2025
The interaction is mutually beneficial – mycorrhizal fungi receive sugars and carbon from its host, which in turn is aided by the fungus in its absorption of water and nutrients.
—Emily Leahy, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2025
Guiding fungi to lay their filaments in strategic directions could push performance much higher, opening doors in sectors where strength-to-weight ratio is king: think sporting goods cores, building-insulation panels or lightweight fillers inside aircraft panels.
—Mohamed Khalil Elhachimi, The Conversation, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for fungus
Cite this Entry
“Fungus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fungus. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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
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