botulism

noun

bot·​u·​lism ˈbä-chə-ˌli-zəm 

: acute food poisoning that is caused by botulinum toxin produced in food by a bacterial clostridium (Clostridium botulinum) and is characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis, disturbances of vision, swallowing, and speech, and a high mortality rate

Examples of botulism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Avoid cans that have dents or lid damage, as this can increase the risk of bacteria that cause botulism (a form of food poisoning). —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 1 May 2026

Experts and reporters at the investigative news magazine Mother Jones have found videos showing toddlers swallowing whole grapes (a choking hazard), infants eating honey (which carries a risk of botulism), and children riding unrestrained in the front seat of a moving car. —Dana Suskind, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026

According to the notice, botulism can cause symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026

But Peterson-Mayes said her body was already shutting down and she was diagnosed with botulism after she was transferred to the St. Joseph’s Medical Center and Barrow Neurological Institute. —Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for botulism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism

Kids Definition

botulism

noun

bot·​u·​lism ˈbäch-ə-ˌliz-əm 

: poisoning caused by eating food containing a toxin made by a spore-forming bacterium

Medical Definition

botulism

noun

bot·​u·​lism ˈbäch-ə-ˌliz-əm 

: acute food poisoning caused by botulinum toxin produced in food by a bacterium of the genus Clostridium (C. botulinum) and characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis, disturbances of vision, swallowing, and speech, and a high mortality rate see botulinum toxin, limberneck