Down syndrome

noun

variants or Down's syndrome
: a congenital condition characterized especially by developmental delays, usually mild to moderate impairment in cognitive functioning, short stature, upward slanting eyes, a flattened nasal bridge, broad hands with short fingers, decreased muscle tone, and by trisomy of the human chromosome numbered 21

called also trisomy 21

Examples of Down syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One of the brothers has Down syndrome, and the other brother becomes his caregiver as his closest remaining family member. Andrew McGowan, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025 Moreover, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, reports that life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has risen from around 25 years in 1983 to 60 years or more in countries with strong health systems. Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 Brown said Dutton Farm started as a family affair in 2010 to help her sister, Becca Smither, who was born with Down syndrome. Carol Cain, Freep.com, 1 Sep. 2025 Shortly after giving birth, the family learned that Jones was born with Down syndrome as well as a rare congenital colon abnormality that required surgery and a month-long stay in the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Caroline Blair, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Down syndrome

Word History

Etymology

J. L. H. Down †1896 English physician

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Down syndrome was in 1961

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Cite this Entry

“Down syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Down%20syndrome. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

Down syndrome

noun
ˈdau̇n-
variants or Down's syndrome
ˈdau̇n(z)-
: a genetic condition characterized especially by developmental delays, by distinctive physical traits (as short stature and upward slanting eyes), and by the presence of three chromosomes numbered 21 in human beings
Etymology

named for J.L.H. Down, 1828–1896, English doctor

Medical Definition

Down syndrome

noun
variants or Down's syndrome
: a congenital condition characterized especially by developmental delays, usually mild to moderate impairment in cognitive functioning, short stature, relatively small head, upward slanting eyes usually with epicanthal folds, flattened nasal bridge, broad hands with short fingers, decreased muscle tone, and by trisomy of the human chromosome numbered 21

called also Down, Down's, trisomy 21

More from Merriam-Webster on Down syndrome

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