allergy

noun

al·​ler·​gy ˈa-lər-jē How to pronounce allergy (audio)
plural allergies
1
: altered bodily reactivity (such as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure
a bee venom allergy so severe that a second sting may be fatal
2
: exaggerated or pathological immunological reaction (as by sneezing, difficult breathing, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual
3
: medical practice concerned with allergies
4
: a feeling of antipathy or aversion

Examples of allergy in a Sentence

Many people have some form of allergy. independent-minded people who seem to have an allergy to any control from the government
Recent Examples on the Web Lactase supplements may not be suitable for certain people in different life stages, with various health conditions, and those with allergies. Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2024 Hackel said people with smoke allergies or issues breathing may want to find shelter or a different location to stay if they are bothered by smoke while inside their homes in the immediate area. Elissa Robinson, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024 Plus, babies with a latex allergy won’t be able to utilize the pacifiers with rubber nipples. Sarah Bradley, Parents, 1 Mar. 2024 This mere inconvenience for most people can be a serious or even life-threatening mistake for people who have a soy allergy or wheat allergy. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 29 Feb. 2024 Other than avoiding tick bites, there aren't any ways to avoid developing a new allergy. Madeleine Burry, Health, 28 Feb. 2024 Some of the most frequent reasons for vet visits are allergies, infections, stomach issues, arthritis and cancer, according to McCullough. Sarah Schlichter Of Nerdwallet, Quartz, 21 Feb. 2024 From adventuring around the world to bringing home their fur babies following Zack's allergy ordeal, these two weathered a lot together and have only come out stronger. Joelle Goldstein, Peoplemag, 13 Feb. 2024 Meanwhile, Uber Eats forgot that making fun of people with allergies isn’t funny. Sunny Nagpaul, Fortune, 12 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'allergy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Allergie "heightened reaction to an antigen to which an individual has been previously exposed," from all- all- + -ergie, in Energie energy, or directly from its source, Greek -ergeia, taken to mean "action, response"

Note: The term was introduced, along with allergisch allergic and Allergen allergen, by the German physician Clemens Peter Freiherr von Pirquet (1874-1929) in "Allergie," Münchener medizinische Wochenschrift, 53. Jahrgang, Nr. 30 (July 24, 1906), pp. 1457-58.

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of allergy was in 1908

Dictionary Entries Near allergy

Cite this Entry

“Allergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allergy. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

allergy

noun
al·​ler·​gy ˈal-ər-jē How to pronounce allergy (audio)
plural allergies
1
: exaggerated or abnormal reaction (as by sneezing, itching, or rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that do not have such a strong effect on most people
2
: a feeling of dislike

Medical Definition

allergy

noun
al·​ler·​gy ˈal-ər-jē How to pronounce allergy (audio)
plural allergies
1
: altered bodily reactivity (as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure
his bee-venom allergy may render a second sting fatal
2
: exaggerated or pathological reaction (as by sneezing, respiratory embarrassment, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual
3
: medical practice concerned with allergies

More from Merriam-Webster on allergy

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