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A hint of the Greek word bios, meaning "life", can be seen in microbe. Microbes, or microorganisms, include bacteria, protozoa, fungi, algae, amoebas, and slime molds. Many people think of microbes as simply the causes of disease, but every human is actually the host to billions of microbes, and most of them are essential to our life. Much research is now going into possible microbial sources of future energy; algae looks particularly promising, as do certain newly discovered or created microbes that can produce cellulose, to be turned into ethanol and other biofuels.
Examples of microbe in a Sentence
Jeffrey Marlow, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
Rototilling also destroys earthworms and the critical beneficial microbes that interact with plant roots to keep them healthy.
—Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Yogurt is a nutrient-dense food that contains protein, probiotics (live beneficial microbes), calcium, zinc, and B vitamins.
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2026
The new draft list includes four contaminant groups — microplastics, pharmaceuticals, PFAS and disinfection byproducts — as well as 75 chemicals and nine microbes that may be found in drinking water, the EPA said.
—ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Microbe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microbe. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
microbe
noun
Medical Definition
microbe
noun
