genus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, technical, academic
Quick answer
What does “genus” mean?
A taxonomic rank in biology grouping closely related species, or a general category/type.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A taxonomic rank in biology grouping closely related species, or a general category/type.
A class of things sharing common characteristics; a category or kind (in general use).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Pronunciation differs slightly.
Connotations
Equally formal and technical in both variants.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK academic writing due to historical emphasis on natural sciences.
Grammar
How to Use “genus” in a Sentence
the genus [name] (e.g., the genus Canis)a genus of [plural noun] (e.g., a genus of flowering plants)genus [name] (e.g., genus Homo)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “genus” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [None]
American English
- [None]
adverb
British English
- [None]
American English
- [None]
adjective
British English
- The genus name is always italicised in scientific writing.
- It's a genus-level classification.
American English
- The genus name is always italicized in scientific writing.
- This is a genus-level distinction.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used except metaphorically in branding or high-level strategy (e.g., 'products of a different genus').
Academic
Common in biology, taxonomy, philosophy, and logic; used precisely for classification.
Everyday
Very rare; would be understood only in educated conversation.
Technical
Core term in biological sciences; used with strict definition in taxonomy.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “genus”
- Using 'genus' as a plural (correct plural: genera).
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'g' (/g/ instead of /dʒ/).
- Confusing genus with family or species in hierarchy.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialised term primarily used in scientific, academic, and formal contexts.
'Genus' is a higher rank that groups together several related 'species'. For example, the genus Panthera includes the species lion, tiger, and leopard.
In both British and American English, it is pronounced /ˈdʒɛn(ə)rə/.
Yes, but rarely and always in a formal, metaphorical sense to mean a class or category (e.g., 'a new genus of political thought').
A taxonomic rank in biology grouping closely related species, or a general category/type.
Genus is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GENUS' groups 'GENerally US' similar species together.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER (a genus contains species); FAMILY TREE (genus is a branch).
Practice
Quiz
What is the plural of 'genus'?