: a primitive usually unicellular often environmentally resistant dormant or reproductive body produced by plants, fungi, and some microorganisms and capable of development into a new individual either directly or after fusion with another spore
: spore having (such) a characteristic or origin
aeciospore
Examples of spore in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025
Not only does this help the mushrooms continue to sprinkle their spores along the forest floor, aiding the development of new mycelial networks, but this also avoids bruising and allows the delicate fungi to breathe, keeping them fresh and firm on the journey home.
—Callie Sumlin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Oct. 2025
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 7 Jan. 2025
Two different strains will not contribute equally to spore and stalks.
—Quanta Magazine, 5 Nov. 2015
See All Example Sentences for spore
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Noun
Thin patches of grass and bare spots can be caused by insect damage, fungal spores, heat and drought stress, heavy foot traffic, erosion, pet urine, or poor soil.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025
Not only does this help the mushrooms continue to sprinkle their spores along the forest floor, aiding the development of new mycelial networks, but this also avoids bruising and allows the delicate fungi to breathe, keeping them fresh and firm on the journey home.
—Callie Sumlin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
What if your cat tower could weigh your furry friend, monitor its health, and help keep their pesky dander spores out of your air?
—Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 7 Jan. 2025
Two different strains will not contribute equally to spore and stalks.
—Quanta Magazine, 5 Nov. 2015
See All Example Sentences for spore
Cite this Entry
“Spore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spore. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spore
1 of 2 noun
ˈspō(ə)r 
ˈspȯ(ə)r
: a reproductive body that is produced by fungi and by some plants and microorganisms (as ferns and bacteria) and that usually consists of a single cell and is able to produce a new individual either by developing by itself or after fusion with another spore
spore
2 of 2 verb
spored; sporing
: to produce or reproduce by spores
Medical Definition
spore
1 of 2 noun
: a primitive usually unicellular often environmentally resistant dormant or reproductive body produced by plants, fungi, and some microorganisms and capable of developing into a new individual either directly or after fusion with another spore
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