noun
Uncommon
algae
AL-gee
Algae (noun) means Simple, mostly aquatic plant-like organisms that photosynthesize, ranging from single-celled forms to seaweed. Example: “Green algae covered the surface of the pond by midsummer.”
noun
1
Simple, mostly aquatic plant-like organisms that photosynthesize, ranging from single-celled forms to seaweed.
"Green algae covered the surface of the pond by midsummer."
"Some biofuels are produced by growing algae in large tanks."
"Algae turned the old fish tank green after we forgot to clean it."
How to use algae
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA broad group of simple water-dwelling organisms, from microscopic pond scum to giant kelp.
Common mistake
"Algae" is technically plural (the singular is "alga"), but in everyday use people usually treat it as a mass noun, like "moss" — "the algae is spreading" is common even though purists prefer "are".
Easily confused with
Common pairings
algae bloom
blue-green algae
algae growth
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like algae.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- algaes
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Green _____ covered the surface of the pond by midsummer.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for algae
See all rhymes for algae →Frequently asked questions
What does “algae” mean?
The word “algae” means simple, mostly aquatic plant-like organisms that photosynthesize, ranging from single-celled forms to seaweed. In plain terms, a broad group of simple water-dwelling organisms, from microscopic pond scum to giant kelp.
How do you pronounce “algae”?
“Algae” is pronounced AL-gee (/ˈæl.d͡ʒi/ in IPA).
How do you use “algae” in a sentence?
Here is “algae” used in a sentence: “Green algae covered the surface of the pond by midsummer.”
What part of speech is “algae”?
“Algae” is a noun.
Is “algae” a common word?
“Algae” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Is "algae" singular or plural?
"Algae" is technically the plural form, with "alga" as the singular, though in everyday English "algae" is often used as a mass noun for the group as a whole. Most speakers treat "algae" as a collective term rather than distinguishing singular and plural forms strictly.
Are algae considered plants?
Algae are plant-like organisms that photosynthesize like plants, but they are not classified as true plants in strict scientific terms. They range from single-celled forms to large seaweeds, and their classification is more varied than that of typical land plants.
What is the difference between algae and seaweed?
Seaweed is a common name for larger, multicellular forms of algae that grow in oceans, while "algae" is the broader term covering everything from microscopic single-celled organisms to seaweed. In other words, all seaweed is algae, but not all algae is seaweed.
