anorexia

noun

an·​orex·​ia ˌa-nə-ˈrek-sē-ə 

-ˈrek-shə

1

: loss of appetite especially when prolonged

2

: anorexia nervosa

Examples of anorexia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Having drunk excessive amounts of water to conceal her anorexia, she was hospitalized and force-fed. — Caroline Lillian Schopp, Artforum, 13 May 2026

Shirley, who missed her sophomore year of cross country and track due to a battle with anorexia, returned in the fall for cross country and ran indoor track but has really come on strong outdoors. — Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 30 May 2026

Other disorders often coincide with anorexia and bulimia because of changes in brain function, research shows. — Eden Laase, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2026

But behind closed doors, Skylar struggled with an eating disorder, and was diagnosed with anorexia and bulimia in middle school. — Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 7 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French anorexie, borrowed from Late Latin anorexia "lack of appetite," borrowed from Greek anorexía, from anórektos "without appetite" + -ia -ia entry 1 — more at anorectic entry 1

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing anorexia

• anorexia nervosa

Rhymes for anorexia

• alexia
• cachexia
• dyslexia
• hyperpyrexia

Kids Definition

anorexia

noun

an·​orex·​ia ˌan-ə-ˈrek-sē-ə 

: anorexia nervosa

Medical Definition

anorexia

noun

an·​orex·​ia ˌan-ə-ˈrek-sē-ə, -ˈrek-shə 

1

: loss of appetite especially when prolonged

2

: anorexia nervosa