mRNA

noun

ˈem-ˈär-ˈen-ˈā How to pronounce mRNA (audio)
plural mRNAs
: messenger rna
Microarrays that identify thousands of active genes at a time are now a standard tool for biologists. They detect the mRNAs produced by active genes.—New Scientist

Examples of mRNA in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Canada has begun a phase I trial of a mRNA vaccine developed by Moderna, with the first participants dosed in early August. — Victoria Forster, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The personalized cancer vaccine being developed by Moderna and Merck has boosted hopes that mRNA technology could open up a ​new avenue of treatment, but the available evidence is still limited. — Mariam Sunny, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 This is the first time an mRNA therapy and a checkpoint inhibitor have worked together in a Phase 3 trial for any cancer. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 Even after the news, some observers argue researchers should wait for fuller data — while longtime skeptics of Moderna’s core mRNA technology do the same. — Jason Mast, STAT, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mRNA

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mRNA was in 1961

Browse Nearby Words

mrkr
mRNA
mrng
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“MRNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mRNA. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

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