AIDS

noun

ˈādz 

: 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

Recent Examples on the Web

There was Newton’s young, handsome face, but also the faces of other young men, all of whom had died of AIDS. —Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026

This collaboration positioned Lesotho to accelerate its AIDS response, address inequalities and work toward a sustainable and inclusive national HIV program. —Majirata Latela, The Dial, 13 Jan. 2026

At a time many Americans face the prospect of skyrocketing premiums for health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act, Nadel perceives lessons in the experience of those who took action in the emergency of the AIDS crisis. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2026

By the 2040s, new innovations could virtually eliminate deaths from HIV/AIDS. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing AIDS

• AIDS-related complex
• AIDS virus
• anti-AIDS

Rhymes for AIDS

• aides
• blades
• braids
• cades
• fades
• glades
• grades
• jades
• maids
• nsaids
• raids
• shades

Kids Definition

AIDS

noun

ˈādz 

: 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

ˈādz 

: 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