generic, adj. & n. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary Definition of generic adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. Define generic. generic synonyms, generic pronunciation, generic translation, English dictionary definition of generic. adj. 1. a. Relating to or descriptive of an entire group or class: Cancer is a generic term for a group of diseases in which cells proliferate wildly. GENERIC definition: of, applicable to, or referring to all the members of a genus, class, group, or kind; not specific; general. See examples of generic used in a sentence. Adjective generic (comparative more generic, superlative most generic) Very broad; pertaining or appropriate to large classes or groups as opposed to specific instances. A generic drug or other product is one that does not have a trademark and that is known by a general name, rather than the manufacturer's name. Generic drugs are as effective as those with brand names. Doctors sometimes prescribe cheaper generic drugs instead of more expensive brand names. Generic definition: Specifying neither masculine nor feminine gender. GENERIC meaning: 1. shared by, typical of, or relating to a whole group of similar things, rather than to any…. Learn more. The meaning of GENERIC is relating to or characteristic of a whole group or class : general. How to use generic in a sentence. Biology of, relating to, or applying to all the members of a class, group, or kind: a trait that is generic to humanity. Biology of, relating to, or making up a genus.