pertussis

noun

per·​tus·​sis pər-ˈtə-səs How to pronounce pertussis (audio)
: whooping cough

Examples of pertussis 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.
Adolescents should then receive a Tdap or tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis booster at age 11 or 12. — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 23 June 2026 Common examples include DTaP – for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis – and MMR, for measles, mumps and rubella. — Kar-Hai Chu, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2026 In addition, research has shown the shingles vaccine is associated with a lower dementia risk than the influenza and Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis) vaccines. — Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 28 June 2026 The affected data include childhood immunization rates against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella, hepatitis, chicken pox and flu; and rates for 13 year olds and expectant mothers. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pertussis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin per- thoroughly + tussis cough

First Known Use

circa 1772, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pertussis was circa 1772

Rhymes for pertussis

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Browse Nearby Words

Pertusaria
pertussis
Peru
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Cite this Entry

“Pertussis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pertussis. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pertussis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pertussis

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