molecule

noun

mol·​e·​cule ˈmä-li-ˌkyül How to pronounce molecule (audio)
Synonyms of moleculenext
1
: the smallest particle of a substance that retains all the properties (see property sense 1a) of the substance and is composed of one or more atoms (see atom sense 1a)
a molecule of water
a molecule of oxygen
2
: a tiny bit : particle
There is a molecule of evidence to support these charges.

Examples of molecule in a Sentence

There is not a molecule of evidence to support these charges. not a molecule of sense in that girl
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The quantum engineering of new molecules could lead to better drugs and to batteries that don’t use costly, environmentally damaging commodities such as rare earth elements. Zeeya Merali, Scientific American, 19 May 2026 The AIs weren’t being asked to design entirely new molecules, and most drugs fail during the animal and clinical trials phase, rather than during testing in cell culture. ArsTechnica, 19 May 2026 B complex vitamins are vital for energy metabolism, supporting immune health, maintaining proper brain function, enabling DNA synthesis and repair, and facilitating the production of neurochemicals and signaling molecules. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 18 May 2026 Fledgling startups and pharmaceutical giants alike are addicted to Chinese drugs, spending some $60 billion on Chinese molecules in the first three months of 2026 alone. O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for molecule

Word History

Etymology

French molécule, from New Latin molecula, diminutive of Latin moles mass

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of molecule was in 1701

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Molecule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/molecule. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

molecule

noun
mol·​e·​cule ˈmäl-i-ˌkyü(ə)l How to pronounce molecule (audio)
1
: the smallest particle of a substance having all the characteristics of the substance
a molecule of water
a molecule of oxygen
2
: a very small bit : particle

Medical Definition

molecule

noun
mol·​e·​cule ˈmäl-i-ˌkyü(ə)l How to pronounce molecule (audio)
: the smallest particle of a substance that retains all the properties of the substance and is composed of one or more atoms

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