std

1 of 3

abbreviation (1)

standard

STD

2 of 3

noun

ˌes-(ˌ)tē-ˈdē 

: any of various diseases or infections (as gonorrhea, genital herpes, chlamydia, hepatitis B, or HIV) that are typically transmitted by direct sexual contact but may sometimes be spread by nonsexual means (as childbirth or sharing needles) : sti

STD

3 of 3

abbreviation (2)

doctor of sacred theology

Examples of std in a Sentence

Noun

a discussion of AIDS and other STDs

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The effort expands shelter bed availability, street outreach, access to STD testing and more. — Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 5 Dec. 2025

Atypical pneumonias are caused by mycoplasma, legionella and kinds of chlamydia (not STD) and pertussis, the doctor added. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025

Elizabeth Finley, interim executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors, says part of the problem is that pregnant people’s access to health care or preventive syphilis care may vary. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 26 Sep. 2025

The Fortis upgrade is built to meet MIL-STD 810H military standards, with drop-resistant construction and Corning Gorilla Glass over the screen. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

sexually transmitted disease

Abbreviation (2)

New Latin sacrae theologiae doctor

First Known Use

Noun

1974, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

STD

noun

ˌes-ˌtē-ˈdē

: any of various diseases (as syphilis and gonorrhea) that are usually transmitted by direct sexual contact and that include some (as hepatitis and AIDS) that may be contracted by other than sexual means

Medical Definition

STD

abbreviation or noun

ˌes-ˌtē-ˈdē 

: any of various diseases or infections (such as gonorrhea, genital herpes, chlamydia, hepatitis B, or HIV) that are typically transmitted by direct sexual contact but may sometimes be spread by nonsexual means (such as childbirth or sharing needles) : sti