mu·tu·al·ism
ˈmyü-chə-wə-ˌli-zəm 
ˈmyü-chə-ˌli-,
ˈmyüch-wə-ˌli-
1
: the doctrine or practice of mutual dependence as the condition of individual and social welfare
2
: mutually beneficial association between different kinds of organisms
plural -s
1
: an advocate of mutualism
2
: one (as a commensal animal) that exists in a state of mutualism
Examples of mutualism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 12 May 2026
Symbiotic mutualism emerges out of ecological thinking, out of that systems thinking, instead of classification thinking, which is a more flawed model.
—Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 13 Nov. 2025
The discovery highlights an exciting case of biological mutualism–a relationship where both species benefit.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 5 Nov. 2025
Today, attitudes are shifting from human domination of nature toward mutualism—and that means learning to get along with our neighbors.
—Lesley Evans Ogden, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025
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Noun
The arrangement has traditionally been described as either commensalism (where the remora benefits while the host is unaffected) or mutualism (where both animals gain something from the relationship), but one thing is for certains: the perks for the remora are obvious.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 12 May 2026
Symbiotic mutualism emerges out of ecological thinking, out of that systems thinking, instead of classification thinking, which is a more flawed model.
—Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 13 Nov. 2025
The discovery highlights an exciting case of biological mutualism–a relationship where both species benefit.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 5 Nov. 2025
Today, attitudes are shifting from human domination of nature toward mutualism—and that means learning to get along with our neighbors.
—Lesley Evans Ogden, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for mutualism
Cite this Entry
“Mutualism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutualism. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
mutualism
noun
mu·tu·al·ism
ˈmyüch-(ə-)wə-ˌliz-əm
ˈmyü-chə-ˌliz-
: association between different kinds of organisms that benefits both
Medical Definition
mutualism
noun
mu·tu·al·ism
ˈmyüch-(ə-)wə-ˌliz-əm, ˈmyü-chə-ˌliz-
: mutually beneficial association between different kinds of organisms
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