# germ

/ˈdʒɝm/ (US) · /dʒˈɜːm/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/germ
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a tiny living thing that can cause disease. You cannot see them without a microscope, but they are everywhere.

For teachers: a microorganism, especially one which causes disease. Often used in a non-technical sense to refer to bacteria or viruses that spread illness.

## Examples

- Wash your hands to get rid of germs.
- The school nurse taught the children that covering their mouths when they cough prevents germs from spreading to their classmates.
- While most people associate the word with illness, only a small fraction of known germs actually cause disease in humans, with many others playing vital roles in the ecosystem.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the plural form when referring to hygiene or illness.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.