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

The six vaccines no longer recommended to all children were for COVID-19, seasonal flu, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and rotavirus. — Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 12 Aug. 2026

For certain high-risk groups, the order says, shots for RSV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, dengue and two types of bacterial meningitis are recommended, as well. — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026

Vaccines in the second group—those for at-risk populations—include vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and hepatitis A and B, and more, according to the executive order. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2026

The vast majority of these pauses – about 90% – are related to data on vaccinations or impacts of common respiratory viruses, such as influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. — John Kubale, The Conversation, 8 July 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