gene

noun

ˈjēn How to pronounce gene (audio)
plural genes
: a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome and that is the functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the structure of a particular polypeptide and especially a protein or controlling the function of other genetic material

Examples of gene in a Sentence

She inherited a good set of genes from her parents.
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.
In the livers of urban fish, 425 genes in juveniles and 585 in adults showed activity largely linked to inflammation and immune system responses that was not seen in damselfish living in clean, untouched reef areas. — New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2026 Related Stories After narrating several episodes with a history of women with the TK gene, which gives Carrie her telekinetic abilities, Adelaide is revealed as the person interviewing the survivors of the prom night fire. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2026 The British biologist Conrad Hal Waddington, known to his friends and colleagues as Wad, thought this focus on genes was all very well. — Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gene

Word History

Etymology

German Gen, short for Pangen, from pan- + -gen

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gene was in 1909

Phrases Containing gene

Rhymes for gene

See All Rhymes for gene

Browse Nearby Words

gender variance
gene
genealogical
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Cite this Entry

“Gene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gene

noun
ˈjēn How to pronounce gene (audio)
: a part of DNA or sometimes RNA that is usually located on a chromosome and that contains chemical information needed to make a particular protein (as an enzyme) controlling or influencing an inherited bodily trait or activity (as eye color or metabolism) or that influences or controls the activity of another gene or genes

Medical Definition

gene

noun
ˈjēn How to pronounce gene (audio)
: a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome and that is the functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the structure of a particular polypeptide and especially a protein or controlling the function of other genetic material

called also determinant, determiner, factor

More from Merriam-Webster on gene

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gene

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