RSV

1 of 2

abbreviation or noun

plural RSVs
: respiratory syncytial virus
Like many viruses, RSV is spread through contact with an infected person or contaminated objects.Nancy Snyderman
RSV, a common respiratory illness that can cause severe breathing problems for babies, has been spreading around the region and the country, and doctors are cautioning about the risks to young children.Josette Keelor
RSVs typically emerge in late fall and remain until early spring. However, signs of RSV outbreak began in the middle of April before exponentially increasing by early May.Winston Henvey

RSV

2 of 2

abbreviation

Examples of RSV in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Abbreviation or noun
Moderna is hoping for sales to pick up later this year with the rollout of its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, which should receive initial regulatory approvals starting in the first half of this year. Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 2 May 2024 Its most recent application for an RSV molecular test was denied by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Natallie Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2024 In the lab, the puzzle that occupied his attention was figuring out how respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infected cells. TIME, 2 May 2024 Peak cold, flu, COVID-19, and RSV season is on its way out—a relief for parents. Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 2 May 2024 Masking and physical distancing disrupted the normal cycles of many respiratory illnesses, including common colds, RSV and flu. Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 17 Apr. 2024 She was taken to a hospital for evaluation, and the officers learned that the child was suffering from RSV. Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 12 Apr. 2024 Moderna forecasts that its respiratory franchise, which includes its COVID-19 vaccine and an upcoming RSV vaccine, will generate $4 billion in revenue this year. Bruce Gil, Quartz, 11 Apr. 2024 Last year, Pfizer and GSK Plc were the first companies to reach the US market with RSV vaccines, and another made by Moderna is expected to gain U.S. approval next month. TIME, 9 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'RSV.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Abbreviation Or Noun

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of RSV was in 1961

Dictionary Entries Near RSV

Cite this Entry

“RSV.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/RSV. Accessed 6 May. 2024.

Medical Definition

RSV

1 of 2 abbreviation or noun
: respiratory syncytial virus
Long considered primarily a pathogen of young children, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been recognized as a cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections in adults.Harvey B. Simon, Science & Medicine
However, upper respiratory tract infections caused by RSV tend to last longer than those caused by other common respiratory agents …Caroline Breese, The New England Journal of Medicine

RSV

2 of 2 abbreviation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!