AIDS

noun

ˈādz 

: 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

Recent Examples on the Web

The musical follows a year in the life of a group of young artists and musicians struggling to survive in New York’s Lower East Side under the shadow of HIV/AIDS, the college said. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026

Above, the new parents are pictured with a playful Rowan while at the 11th Annual Kids for Kids Celebrity Carnival to Benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation in 2004. —Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026

The heart of this work is PEPFAR, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. —Fatma Tanis, NPR, 4 Apr. 2026

In 1985 — more than 40 years ago — Cole started a very witty ad campaign in support of HIV/AIDS research and charities. —Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing AIDS

• AIDS-related complex
• AIDS virus
• anti-AIDS

Rhymes for AIDS

• aides
• blades
• braids
• cades
• fades
• glades
• grades
• jades
• maids
• nsaids
• raids
• shades

Kids Definition

AIDS

noun

ˈādz 

: 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

ˈādz 

: 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