: a disease of the human immune system that is characterized cytologically especially by reduction in the numbers of CD4-bearing helper T cells to 20 percent or less of normal thereby rendering the subject highly vulnerable to life-threatening conditions (such as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia) and to some (such as Kaposi's sarcoma) that become life-threatening and that is caused by infection with HIV commonly transmitted in infected blood especially during illicit intravenous drug use and in bodily secretions (such as semen) during sexual intercourse
Examples of AIDS in a Sentence
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The percentage of the lot’s sale amount that’s earmarked for fueling AIDS research is currently unclear, but most any slice of at least $20 million should move the needle.
—
Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2025
His Windsor home has been the setting for countless lavish parties and galas over the decades, many of which benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
—Mekita Rivas, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025
For more than three decades, Ralph has embodied that light, using her platform to fight HIV/AIDS stigma and uplift communities through her nonprofit, The DIVA Foundation.
—Donnetta Monk, Essence, 7 Nov. 2025
The real Rosenkrantz thinks her friend, who died of AIDS complications in 1987, would be quite pleased with this new level of fame, as Hujar always knew his work was worthy.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
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Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2025
His Windsor home has been the setting for countless lavish parties and galas over the decades, many of which benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
—Mekita Rivas, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025
For more than three decades, Ralph has embodied that light, using her platform to fight HIV/AIDS stigma and uplift communities through her nonprofit, The DIVA Foundation.
—Donnetta Monk, Essence, 7 Nov. 2025
The real Rosenkrantz thinks her friend, who died of AIDS complications in 1987, would be quite pleased with this new level of fame, as Hujar always knew his work was worthy.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for AIDS
Cite this Entry
“AIDS.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/AIDS. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
AIDS
noun
: a serious disease of the human immune system marked by destruction of a large proportion of the helper T cells in the body due to infection by the HIV virus commonly transmitted especially in blood and semen
Medical Definition
AIDS
noun
: a disease of the human immune system that is characterized cytologically especially by a reduction in the numbers of CD4-bearing helper T cells to 20 percent or less of normal thereby rendering the subject highly vulnerable to life-threatening conditions (as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia) and to some that become life threatening (as Kaposi's sarcoma) and that is caused by infection with HIV commonly transmitted in infected blood especially during illicit intravenous drug use and in bodily secretions (as semen) during sexual intercourse
called also acquired immune deficiency syndrome, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
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