1
: a class of immunoglobulins including antibodies that function especially in allergic reactions
2
: an antibody of the class IgE

Examples of IgE 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.
His blood work was generally normal except for elevated IgE, a signal of immune responses linked to allergies, autoimmune disease, and parasitic infections. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026 Short for Canis familiaris allergen 1, Can f 1 prompts the human immune system to produce immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody that sets off the familiar cascade of allergic reactions such as sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 June 2026 Those pollen proteins become problems when the immune system develops an allergic antibody known as IgE to these proteins. — Levi Keller, The Conversation, 5 May 2026 The second does not involve IgE antibodies and causes symptoms that are delayed, such as diarrhea, gas, pain, and bloody stool. — Allison Forsyth, Health, 15 Apr. 2026 As immune systems wane, the body makes less immunoglobulin E (IgE), an allergy-causing antibody, Viswanathan explains. — Matt Fuchs, Scientific American, 15 Apr. 2026 For example, the IgM antibodies may start attacking parts of IgE antibodies. — Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 10 Feb. 2026 An electrode and other electronics, which are integrated into the patch, translate that signal into a quantitive reading of IgE levels. — New Atlas, 12 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of IgE was in 1969

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“IgE.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IgE. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

Medical Definition

1
: a class of immunoglobulins including antibodies that function especially in allergic reactions
2
: an immunoglobulin of the class IgE

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