mutualism
noun
mu·tu·al·ism
ˈmyü-chə-wə-ˌli-zəm 
ˈmyü-chə-ˌli-,
ˈmyüch-wə-ˌli-
1
: the doctrine or practice of mutual dependence as the condition of individual and social welfare
2
: mutually beneficial association between different kinds of organisms
Examples of mutualism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Today, attitudes are shifting from human domination of nature toward mutualism—and that means learning to get along with our neighbors.
—
Lesley Evans Ogden, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025
Usually, plant-pollinator interactions are mutualisms.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 8 May 2025
Bees get nectar from flowers while acting as pollinators in a process called mutualism.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 6 May 2025
When mutualism between two species is threatened, a few possible scenarios emerge, according to a December 2010 article published in Ecology Letters.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for mutualism
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Lesley Evans Ogden, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025
Usually, plant-pollinator interactions are mutualisms.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 8 May 2025
Bees get nectar from flowers while acting as pollinators in a process called mutualism.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 6 May 2025
When mutualism between two species is threatened, a few possible scenarios emerge, according to a December 2010 article published in Ecology Letters.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for mutualism
Cite this Entry
“Mutualism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutualism. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
mutualism
noun
mu·tu·al·ism
ˈmyüch-(ə-)wə-ˌliz-əm
ˈmyü-chə-ˌliz-
: association between different kinds of organisms that benefits both
Medical Definition
mutualism
noun
mu·tu·al·ism
ˈmyüch-(ə-)wə-ˌliz-əm, ˈmyü-chə-ˌliz-
: mutually beneficial association between different kinds of organisms
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