symptom

noun

symp·​tom ˈsim(p)-təm 

1

a

: subjective evidence of disease or physical disturbance

broadly : something that indicates the presence of bodily disorder

b

: an evident reaction by a plant to a pathogen

2

a

: something that indicates the existence of something else

symptoms of an inner turmoil

b

: a slight indication : trace

symptomless

ˈsim(p)-təm-ləs 

adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for symptom

sign, mark, token, note, symptom mean a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible.

sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.

encouraging signs for the economy

mark suggests something impressed on or inherently characteristic of a thing often in contrast to general outward appearance.

a mark of a good upbringing

token applies to something that serves as a proof of something intangible.

this gift is a token of our esteem

note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.

a note of irony in her writing

symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition.

rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

Examples of symptom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Firefighting professionals have reported an increase in firefighters in their 30s and 40s falling ill with rare and unexpected cancer symptoms and diagnoses well before someone their age should. — Sen. Saud Anwar, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026

Each animal then underwent a battery of tests to study their pain sensitivity, anxiety-like symptoms, gut microbes, metabolites, and neuroinflammation. — Mike McRae 25, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026

After three years, people taking multivitamins had better functional health than those taking placebos, with fewer health symptoms and better physical ability scores, the researchers found. — Jamie Ducharme, HEALTH, 25 Aug. 2026

It can be diagnosed only after death, although symptoms may include memory loss, impulse control problems, anxiety, depression and anger issues. — Nadia Kounang, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin symptomat-, symptoma, from Greek symptōmat-, symptōma happening, attribute, symptom, from sympiptein to happen, from syn- + piptein to fall — more at feather

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing symptom

• MSG symptom complex
• somatic symptom disorder

Kids Definition

symptom

noun

symp·​tom ˈsim(p)-təm 

1

: a change in a living thing that indicates the presence of a disease or other physical disorder

especially : one (as a headache) that can be felt or sensed only by the individual affected

2

: something that shows that something else exists : indication

symptomless

-ləs 

adjective

Medical Definition

symptom

noun

symp·​tom ˈsim(p)-təm 

: subjective evidence of disease or physical disturbance observed by the patient

headache is a symptom of many diseases

visual disturbances may be a symptom of retinal arteriosclerosis

broadly : something that indicates the presence of a physical disorder compare sign sense 2