germ
Americannoun
-
germs
plural
-
a microorganism, especially when disease-producing; microbe.
-
a bud, offshoot, or seed.
-
the rudiment of a living organism; an embryo in its early stages.
-
the initial stage in development or evolution, as a germ cell or ancestral form.
-
something that serves as a source or initial stage for subsequent development.
the germ of an idea.
adjective
noun
-
a microorganism, esp one that produces disease in animals or plants
-
(often plural) the rudimentary or initial form of something
the germs of revolution
-
a simple structure, such as a fertilized egg, that is capable of developing into a complete organism
Usage
The terms germ and microbe have been used to refer to invisible agents of disease since the nineteenth century, when scientists introduced the germ theory of disease, the idea that infections and contagious diseases are caused by microorganisms. Microbe, a shortening and alteration of microorganism, comes from the Greek prefix mikro–, “small,” and the word bios, “life.” Scientists no longer use the terms germ and microbe very much. Today they can usually identify the specific agents of disease, such as individual species of bacteria or viruses. To refer generally to agents of disease, they use the term pathogen, from the Greek pathos, “suffering,” and the suffix –gen, “producer.” They use microorganism to refer to any unicellular organism, whether disease-causing or not.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of germ
1400–50; late Middle English < Middle French germe < Latin germen shoot, sprout, by dissimilation from *genmen, equivalent to gen- ( see genitor, genus) + -men resultative noun suffix)
Explanation
A germ is a tiny life form that spreads disease. Germs are also small things that grow into larger things — whether animals, plants, or ideas. Germ is not a technical term, but you've probably heard it used in reference to tiny organisms (such as bacteria) that cause disease. A germ is also any small structure, such as a fertilized egg, that grows into something larger. A seed that grows into a plant is a germ. In some cases, you can talk about ideas as germs. The inspiration for a book or movie can be described as the germ of the project. Germs are small, but they start big things.
Vocabulary lists containing germ
"Eleven"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Selection Vocabulary 1, Unit 1
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Eleven," Vocabulary from the short story
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
While Warren and the bill’s co-sponsors shouldn’t lean too hard on an extemporaneous riff from a podcaster, the germ of a promising strategy is there.
From Salon ● Sep. 25, 2026
The germ of the novel came to Boyagoda during the pandemic, when he was serving as a vice-dean.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026
Spermidine is produced naturally by human cells and is also present in foods including wheat germ, mushrooms, parmesan, and cheddar.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 21, 2026
Weeks later, doctors discovered he had staph infection - which is caused by staphylococcus, a germ that lives in the nose of one in three people and can enter the body through a cut.
From BBC ● Mar. 28, 2026
He gives JonPaul total germ fits when he talks.
From "Liar, Liar" by Gary Paulsen
"Rebecca often feels stressed and anxious about picking up germs when she has to sit and wait in the A&E department," said Delia, 69, from Prestatyn, Denbighshire.
From BBC ● Apr. 15, 2026
He studied the prevention and cure of disease and how the body functioned, including respiration and blood circulation, and he had a nascent understanding of germs.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 14, 2026
There are several ways germs can enter your body in a public restroom:
From Science Daily ● Apr. 13, 2026
Cleaning air filters removes dust, pet hair and germs, and — the best part — replacing them is inexpensive and easy.
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 28, 2026
It’s like I can feel the germs raining down on my back now.
From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
