living thing

/ˈlɪvɪŋ θɪŋ/
organism capable of growth and reproduction

Plants are living things that produce oxygen.

This example shows that plants are organisms that grow and reproduce.


general

an organism that is alive, capable of growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli

Bacteria are microscopic living things found everywhere.

This refers to bacteria as tiny organisms present in various environments.

Animals, plants, and fungi are all living things.

This lists examples of organisms that are alive and capable of biological processes.

The term excludes non-living entities like rocks, water, or inanimate objects.

Collocations

living thingorganism that is aliveliving thingsplural form referring to multiple organisms

Related Phrases

living organismphrase
another term for a living thing
non-living thingphrase
an object that is not alive

Pro Tip

Scientific Context

In biology, 'living thing' is often used to distinguish organisms from non-living matter.

Gold Rule

General Usage

Use 'living thing' to refer to any organism, whether plant, animal, or microorganism.

Word Origin

From 'living' (present participle of 'live') + 'thing' (object or entity). The phrase combines the concept of life with the general term for an entity.

Usage Notes

The phrase is commonly used in biology, ecology, and general conversation to refer to any organism that exhibits life processes.

Word Breakdown

living
alive, exhibiting life processes
adjective
+
thing
an entity or object
noun
English Dictionary