plural germs
1
a
: a small mass of living substance capable of developing into an organism or one of its parts
b
: the embryo with the scutellum of a cereal grain that is usually separated from the starchy endosperm during milling
3
: a microorganism causing disease : a pathogenic agent (such as a bacterium or virus)
broadly
: microorganism
Examples of germ in a Sentence
the germ that causes tuberculosis
the germ of an idea
the germ layers of an embryo
Recent Examples on the Web
Unwashed Leafy Greens While all produce can become contaminated with harmful germs, leafy greens are especially susceptible.
—
Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 10 Feb. 2026
Refined grains have been processed to remove the bran (the fiber-rich outer layer) and germ (the sprout).
—Brianna Tobritzhofer, Health, 9 Feb. 2026
Vaccinations and other preventatives against ever-evolving germs do not on their own guarantee personal safety—only eradication can do that.
—Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
And use a disinfectant to clean the underside of your tables and bar tops, to avoid dust, grime, and other nasty germs from touching your legs and clothes.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for germ
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.
Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 10 Feb. 2026
Refined grains have been processed to remove the bran (the fiber-rich outer layer) and germ (the sprout).
—Brianna Tobritzhofer, Health, 9 Feb. 2026
Vaccinations and other preventatives against ever-evolving germs do not on their own guarantee personal safety—only eradication can do that.
—Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
And use a disinfectant to clean the underside of your tables and bar tops, to avoid dust, grime, and other nasty germs from touching your legs and clothes.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for germ
Cite this Entry
“Germ.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/germ. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
germ
noun1
a
: a small mass of living substance capable of developing into a whole individual or one of its parts
b
: the embryo in the seed of a cereal (as corn or wheat) together with its cotyledon that is usually separated from the starchy part of the seed during milling
2
: something that serves as an origin
the germ of an idea
3
: a microscopic living thing
especially
: one that causes disease
Medical Definition
germ
noun1
: a small mass of living substance capable of developing into an organism or one of its parts
2
: a microorganism causing disease : a pathogenic agent (as a bacterium or virus)
broadly
: microorganism
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
