: 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
Since then, the fundraiser has netted $314 million in support of the organization and its efforts to fight AIDS.
—
Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2026
Profits went to organizations working to raise AIDS awareness.
—Ian Brennan, NPR, 15 Apr. 2026
Idahoans would be able to apply for a renewable medical cannabis card by presenting medical records showing a substantial or terminal health condition, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, MS, post traumatic stress disorder, or chronic pain.
—Clark Corbin, Idaho Statesman, 14 Apr. 2026
Prince Harry exited Sentebale, which was created in 2006 to address the spread of HIV/AIDS in the African nations of Lesotho and Botswana, in March 2025 over disputes with the charity’s board chair Dr Sophie Chandauka.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2026
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Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2026
Profits went to organizations working to raise AIDS awareness.
—Ian Brennan, NPR, 15 Apr. 2026
Idahoans would be able to apply for a renewable medical cannabis card by presenting medical records showing a substantial or terminal health condition, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, MS, post traumatic stress disorder, or chronic pain.
—Clark Corbin, Idaho Statesman, 14 Apr. 2026
Prince Harry exited Sentebale, which was created in 2006 to address the spread of HIV/AIDS in the African nations of Lesotho and Botswana, in March 2025 over disputes with the charity’s board chair Dr Sophie Chandauka.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for AIDS
Cite this Entry
“AIDS.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/AIDS. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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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Merriam-Webster unabridged
