plural allergies
1
: altered bodily reactivity (such as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure
a bee venom allergy so severe that a second sting may be fatal
2
: exaggerated or pathological immunological reaction (as by sneezing, difficult breathing, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual
3
: medical practice concerned with allergies
4
: a feeling of antipathy or aversion
Examples of allergy in a Sentence
Many people have some form of allergy.
independent-minded people who seem to have an allergy to any control from the government
Recent Examples on the Web
Despite broad evidence that using aluminum-containing adjuvants in vaccines is safe, Kennedy has argued that aluminum in vaccines is linked to allergies and other health conditions.
—
Adam Cancryn, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
These bacteria may even help calm allergy symptoms and strengthen the skin barrier.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 19 Dec. 2025
Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas have been recalled from the chain’s Florida stores for a potential food allergy issue, the second such recall in a week.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 17 Dec. 2025
Symptoms of food allergies include rash or hives, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of different areas of the face, coughing or wheezing, dizziness, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness.
—Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for allergy
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Adam Cancryn, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
These bacteria may even help calm allergy symptoms and strengthen the skin barrier.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 19 Dec. 2025
Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas have been recalled from the chain’s Florida stores for a potential food allergy issue, the second such recall in a week.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 17 Dec. 2025
Symptoms of food allergies include rash or hives, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of different areas of the face, coughing or wheezing, dizziness, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness.
—Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for allergy
Cite this Entry
“Allergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allergy. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
allergy
noun
al·ler·gy
ˈal-ər-jē 
plural allergies
1
: exaggerated or abnormal reaction (as by sneezing, itching, or rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that do not have such a strong effect on most people
2
: a feeling of dislike
Medical Definition
allergy
noun
al·ler·gy
ˈal-ər-jē
plural allergies
1
: altered bodily reactivity (as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure
his bee-venom allergy may render a second sting fatal
2
: exaggerated or pathological reaction (as by sneezing, respiratory embarrassment, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual
3
: medical practice concerned with allergies
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