-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
molecule
noun
mol·e·cule
ˈmä-li-ˌkyül
1
: the smallest particle of a substance that retains all the properties (see property sense 1a) of the substance and is composed of one or more atoms (see atom sense 1a)
a molecule of water
a molecule of oxygen
2
: a tiny bit : particle
a molecule of political honesty—Time
Synonyms
Examples of molecule in a Sentence
There is not a molecule of evidence to support these charges.
not a molecule of sense in that girl
Recent Examples on the Web
The process is known as glycation, where sugar molecules attach to collagen, proteins, fats and elastin in the bloodstream to form advanced glycation end products (AGEs).
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025
The problem is a set of molecules, furanocoumarins.
—Veronique Greenwood, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Why air pollution is dangerous Fires release tiny molecules called fine particulate matter that are small enough to enter the body through the tubes that carry air into our lungs and end up in our bloodstream, Rutland said.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025
In principle, any quantum mechanical system—atoms, molecules, ions, photons—could be fashioned into a qubit.
—Charina Chou, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for molecule
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.
Word History
Etymology
French molécule, from New Latin molecula, diminutive of Latin moles mass
First Known Use
1701, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Articles Related to molecule
Dictionary Entries Near molecule
Cite this Entry
“Molecule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/molecule. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
molecule
noun
mol·e·cule
ˈmäl-i-ˌkyü(ə)l
1
: the smallest particle of a substance having all the characteristics of the substance
a molecule of water
a molecule of oxygen
2
: a very small bit : particle
Medical Definition
molecule
noun
mol·e·cule
ˈmäl-i-ˌkyü(ə)l
: the smallest particle of a substance that retains all the properties of the substance and is composed of one or more atoms
More from Merriam-Webster on molecule
Nglish: Translation of molecule for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of molecule for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about molecule
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share