spore

1 of 3

noun

ˈspȯr How to pronounce spore (audio)
: 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
spored
ˈspȯrd How to pronounce spore (audio)
adjective

spore

2 of 3

verb

spored; sporing

intransitive verb

: to produce or reproduce by spores

-spore

3 of 3

noun combining form

: spore having (such) a characteristic or origin
basidiospore

Examples of spore in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
Warmth, moisture, and lack of airflow create a breeding ground for mold spores to thrive. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 June 2026 Avoid overhead watering to prevent the growth and spread of these fungal spores. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 22 June 2026
Verb
Two different strains will not contribute equally to spore and stalks. — Quanta Magazine, 5 Nov. 2015 Rain or overhead watering splashes spores out of the soil and onto the lower leaves of the rose plant. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for spore

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin spora seed, spore, from Greek, act of sowing, seed, from speirein to sow — more at sperm

Noun combining form

borrowed from New Latin -spora spore entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1836, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spore was in 1836

Phrases Containing spore

Rhymes for spore

See All Rhymes for spore

Browse Nearby Words

sporangium
spore
-spore
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spore. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spore

1 of 2 noun
ˈspō(ə)r How to pronounce spore (audio)
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
spored
ˈspō(ə)rd How to pronounce spore (audio)
ˈspȯ(ə)rd
adjective

spore

2 of 2 verb
spored; sporing
: to produce or reproduce by spores

Medical Definition

spore

1 of 2 noun
ˈspō(ə)r, ˈspȯ(ə)r How to pronounce spore (audio)
: 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

spore

2 of 2 intransitive verb
spored; sporing
: to produce or reproduce by spores

More from Merriam-Webster on spore

Nglish: Translation of spore for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spore

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