: 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
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In 1985 — more than 40 years ago — Cole started a very witty ad campaign in support of HIV/AIDS research and charities.
—
Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026
He is best known for his pioneering discovery of human retroviruses, including HIV as the cause of AIDS.
—Charles J. Lockwood, STAT, 31 Mar. 2026
Many of his works centered on those who died as the AIDS crisis bloomed across the city, stealing friends, acquaintances, and fellow artists.
—News Desk, Artforum, 30 Mar. 2026
The National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors estimates that the state changes would impact around 12,000 people in Florida.
—Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
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Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026
He is best known for his pioneering discovery of human retroviruses, including HIV as the cause of AIDS.
—Charles J. Lockwood, STAT, 31 Mar. 2026
Many of his works centered on those who died as the AIDS crisis bloomed across the city, stealing friends, acquaintances, and fellow artists.
—News Desk, Artforum, 30 Mar. 2026
The National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors estimates that the state changes would impact around 12,000 people in Florida.
—Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 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 2 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
