biological warfare

noun

: warfare involving the use of biological weapons
also : warfare involving the use of herbicides

Examples of biological warfare 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.
In the games, the virus is used as a type of biological warfare that can mutate those exposed to it. — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Feb. 2026 Poop was also used in some of the earliest experiments for biological warfare. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2025 Other experts worry the decision weakens national security and could open the country up to public health emergencies caused by biological warfare. — Alejandra O’Connell-Domenech, The Hill, 7 Aug. 2025 On the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in WWII, the legacy of a biological warfare unit still haunts. — Christine Arrasmith, NPR, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for biological warfare

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of biological warfare was in 1921

Rhymes for biological warfare

See All Rhymes for biological warfare

Browse Nearby Words

biological value
biological warfare
biological weapon
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Cite this Entry

“Biological warfare.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biological%20warfare. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

biological warfare

noun
: warfare involving the use of biological weapons

Medical Definition

biological warfare

noun
biological war·​fare -ˈwȯr-ˌfa(ə)r, -ˌfe(ə)r How to pronounce biological warfare (audio)
: warfare involving the use of biological weapons
also : warfare involving the use of herbicides

More from Merriam-Webster on biological warfare

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about biological warfare

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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