genetic drift

noun

: random changes in gene frequency especially in small populations when leading to preservation or extinction of particular genes

Examples of genetic drift in a Sentence

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The answer could come down to an evolutionary process called genetic drift. — Quanta Magazine, 18 Dec. 2024 But when overfishing nearly wiped out these sturgeon, genetic drift—or when a chance event changes the frequency of certain genes in a population—strengthened. — Benjamin Cassidy, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2025 In addition, some wild animals in zoos have been bred under human care and over time, might become susceptible to allergies through genetic drift. — Jen McCaffery, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024 In a process that scientists call genetic drift, over time salamanders on the two sides became genetically distinct − evidence of the two populations evolving independently. — Elizabeth Carlen, The Conversation, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for genetic drift

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of genetic drift was in 1945

Rhymes for genetic drift

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Browse Nearby Words

genetic definition
genetic drift
genetic engineering
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Cite this Entry

“Genetic drift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genetic%20drift. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

genetic drift

noun
: random changes in gene frequency especially in small populations when leading to preservation or extinction of particular genes

More from Merriam-Webster on genetic drift

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about genetic drift

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