messenger RNA

noun

: an RNA produced by transcription that carries the code for a particular protein from the nuclear DNA to a ribosome in the cytoplasm and acts as a template for the formation of that protein compare transfer rna

Examples of messenger RNA in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Recently disclosed results of the test of an experimental vaccine using messenger RNA (mRNA) on 16 patients were extraordinarily positive. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

Moderna's flu vaccines uses messenger RNA technology, which is also used in Moderna's and Pfizer and BioNTech's COVID-19 shots. —Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026

The way these vaccines work is by delivering a copy of messenger RNA, which acts like a blueprint for cells to make proteins. —Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 11 Feb. 2026

The study, published in November in the journal ACS Nano, uses lipid particles to deliver messenger RNA and an immune-stimulating molecule into tumors. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

messenger RNA

noun

: an RNA that carries the code for a particular protein from DNA in the nucleus to a ribosome and that acts as a pattern for the formation of that protein compare transfer rna

Medical Definition

messenger RNA

noun

: an RNA produced by transcription that carries the code for a particular protein from the nuclear DNA to a ribosome in the cytoplasm and acts as a template for the formation of that protein

called also mRNA

compare transfer rna