English Reference
adjective · noun

organic

adj. · n.
US /ɔɹˈɡænɪk/ UK /ɔːɡˈænɪk/ or·gan·ic UK spelling organics

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Cooking

    adj.grown or produced without using artificial chemicals or pesticides.

    adj.produced or involving production without the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, or other artificial agents.

    Simple

    She prefers to buy organic vegetables at the local farmers' market.

    In context

    The farm transitioned to organic methods three years ago, successfully eliminating synthetic pesticides while maintaining a high crop yield.

    naturalpesticide free
    non organicconventional
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    adj.relating to or coming from living things like plants and animals.

    adj.relating to, being, or characteristic of a living organism.

    Simple

    The soil is rich in organic matter from fallen leaves.

    In context

    The geologist identified organic remains within the sedimentary rock, suggesting the area was once a lush tropical forest.

    biologicalbiotic
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.happening or developing in a natural way, without being forced or planned.

    adj.developing in a gradual or natural fashion rather than being forced or artificial.

    Simple

    The company's organic growth was slow but very steady.

    In context

    The community garden started as a small project but saw organic expansion as more neighbours volunteered their time and resources.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    adj.relating to chemical compounds that contain carbon.

    adj.relating to or denoting compounds containing carbon and chiefly or ultimately of biological origin.

    Simple

    In organic chemistry, students learn about the structure of carbon molecules.

    In context

    The laboratory specialises in the synthesis of organic compounds for use in the pharmaceutical industry.

    carbon based
  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    adj.search results that appear because they are relevant, not because someone paid for an ad.

    adj.denoting search engine results that are generated by algorithms rather than paid advertisements.

    Simple

    We need to improve our website's content to get more organic traffic.

    In context

    While paid ads provide immediate visibility, the marketing team focused on organic search rankings to ensure long-term sustainability.

  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate Cooking

    n.food that is grown without artificial chemicals.

    n.foodstuffs produced by organic farming methods.

    Simple

    The shop sells a wide variety of organics, including fruit and meat.

    In context

    The price difference between conventional produce and organics has narrowed as consumer demand for pesticide-free options continues to rise.

Usage organic material · organic carbon · organic matter

The project is based at Hamatethy farm , which produces organic beef and pork but also runs rewilding schemes.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

The Arctic's frozen ground contains enormous stores of organic carbon.

ScienceDaily· 3 Aug 2026

From Middle English organic, organik, from Old French organique, from Latin organicus.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin organicus
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated