plural genes
: a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome and that is the functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the structure of a particular polypeptide and especially a protein or controlling the function of other genetic material
Examples of gene in a Sentence
She inherited a good set of genes from her parents.
Recent Examples on the Web
In individuals with obesity, genes involved in lactate production were more active, a notable finding, given lactate’s association with insulin resistance and cardiometabolic strain.
—
New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026
Vithanachchi proposed studying how genes control bacterial responses to antimicrobial compounds.
—Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 11 Feb. 2026
The darker strands of the young Tennyson’s existence—madness, spurned love, ruinous genes, insolvency—would become the themes of a later poem that Holmes regards as pivotal.
—James Parker, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026
Scientists have always believed that longevity is shaped by your lifestyle choices, but a new study reveals that your genes could play a critical role.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gene
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New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026
Vithanachchi proposed studying how genes control bacterial responses to antimicrobial compounds.
—Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 11 Feb. 2026
The darker strands of the young Tennyson’s existence—madness, spurned love, ruinous genes, insolvency—would become the themes of a later poem that Holmes regards as pivotal.
—James Parker, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026
Scientists have always believed that longevity is shaped by your lifestyle choices, but a new study reveals that your genes could play a critical role.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gene
Cite this Entry
“Gene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gene
noun
: a part of DNA or sometimes RNA that is usually located on a chromosome and that contains chemical information needed to make a particular protein (as an enzyme) controlling or influencing an inherited bodily trait or activity (as eye color or metabolism) or that influences or controls the activity of another gene or genes
Medical Definition
gene
noun
: a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome and that is the functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the structure of a particular polypeptide and especially a protein or controlling the function of other genetic material
called also determinant, determiner, factor
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