decomposer

noun

de·​com·​pos·​er ˌdē-kəm-ˈpō-zər How to pronounce decomposer (audio)
: any of various organisms (such as many bacteria and fungi) that return constituents of organic substances to ecological cycles by feeding on and breaking down dead protoplasm compare consumer, producer sense 4

Examples of decomposer 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.
The wood can also support important decomposers like insects and fungi. — Amy Stark Shireman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Oct. 2025 More than one million species make up this ubiquitous group, which includes parasites, decomposers, predators, and more. — Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 5 June 2025 Beetles are essential decomposers in our hickory and oak boreal forests. — Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2025 Mycologists are finding that some fungal species are excellent decomposers. — Quanta Magazine, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decomposer

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decomposer was in 1959

Rhymes for decomposer

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Browse Nearby Words

decompose
decomposer
decomposite
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

decomposer

noun
de·​com·​pos·​er ˌdē-kəm-ˈpō-zər How to pronounce decomposer (audio)
: an organism (as a bacterium or a fungus) that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter

Medical Definition

decomposer

noun
de·​com·​pos·​er ˌdē-kəm-ˈpō-zər How to pronounce decomposer (audio)
: any of various organisms (as many bacteria and fungi) that return constituents of organic substances to ecological cycles by feeding on and breaking down dead protoplasm

More from Merriam-Webster on decomposer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about decomposer

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