mutualism
noun
mu·tu·al·ism
ˈmyü-chə-wə-ˌli-zəm 
ˈmyü-chə-ˌli-,
ˈmyüch-wə-ˌli-
1
: the doctrine or practice of mutual dependence as the condition of individual and social welfare
2
: mutually beneficial association between different kinds of organisms
Examples of mutualism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the biological sense, this is about mutualism over predation—creating value for others so your presence becomes non-negotiable.
—
Scott Hutcheson, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Yet mutual aid/mutualism never seems to get as much attention as conflict/competition does.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 4 Feb. 2025
And mutualism, as symbiotic cooperation is called in biology, is vital to life itself.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 4 Feb. 2025
This partnership is an example of mutualism, where both species benefit from the interaction.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mutualism
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Scott Hutcheson, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Yet mutual aid/mutualism never seems to get as much attention as conflict/competition does.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 4 Feb. 2025
And mutualism, as symbiotic cooperation is called in biology, is vital to life itself.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 4 Feb. 2025
This partnership is an example of mutualism, where both species benefit from the interaction.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mutualism
Cite this Entry
“Mutualism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutualism. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
mutualism
noun
mu·tu·al·ism
ˈmyüch-(ə-)wə-ˌliz-əm
ˈmyü-chə-ˌliz-
: association between different kinds of organisms that benefits both
Medical Definition
mutualism
noun
mu·tu·al·ism
ˈmyüch-(ə-)wə-ˌliz-əm, ˈmyü-chə-ˌliz-
: mutually beneficial association between different kinds of organisms
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