What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
microorganism
Example
The pond water was teeming with microorganisms. [microorganisms: noun]
Example
Microorganisms play a vital role in the ecosystem. [microorganisms: noun]
microbe
Example
The doctor prescribed antibiotics to kill the harmful microbes in my body. [microbes: noun]
Example
Microbes can be found everywhere, from the soil to the human body. [microbes: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Microorganism is more commonly used in scientific and academic contexts, while microbe is more commonly used in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between microorganism and microbe?
Microorganism is generally considered more formal than microbe, which is often used in informal contexts.
