RSV

1 of 2

abbreviation or noun

ˌär-ˌes-ˈvē 

plural RSVs

: respiratory syncytial virus

Like many viruses, RSV is spread through contact with an infected person or contaminated objects.

—Nancy Snyderman

RSV, a common respiratory illness that can cause severe breathing problems for babies, has been spreading around the region and the country, and doctors are cautioning about the risks to young children.

—Josette Keelor

RSVs typically emerge in late fall and remain until early spring. However, signs of RSV outbreak began in the middle of April before exponentially increasing by early May.

—Winston Henvey

RSV

2 of 2

abbreviation

Revised Standard Version

Examples of RSV in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Abbreviation or noun

There, the girl was treated for more than a week for pneumonia, Covid-19, RSV and respiratory distress, according to the family, while Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers stood guard. —Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 27 Feb. 2026

Tarrant has had to send some younger patients with RSV to the hospital this season. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026

Visitor restrictions began in late December because of a rise in respiratory viruses such as COVID, the flu and RSV, a contagious infection that attacks the respiratory tract. —Chase Jordan february 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2026

My doctor is recommending that anyone who visits the baby in the first three months be up to date on vaccines (Tdap, flu, COVID and, for age 60-plus, RSV). —Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Abbreviation Or Noun

1961, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

RSV

1 of 2 abbreviation or noun

ˌär-ˌes-ˈvē 

: respiratory syncytial virus

Long considered primarily a pathogen of young children, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been recognized as a cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections in adults.

—Harvey B. Simon, Science & Medicine

However, upper respiratory tract infections caused by RSV tend to last longer than those caused by other common respiratory agents …

—Caroline Breese, The New England Journal of Medicine

RSV

2 of 2 abbreviation

Rous sarcoma virus