allergy

noun al·ler·gy \ ˈa-lər-jē \

Updated on: 15 May 2018

Definition of allergy

plural allergies

1 : altered bodily reactivity (such as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure

a bee venom allergy so severe that a second sting may be fatal

2 : exaggerated or pathological immunological reaction (as by sneezing, difficult breathing, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual

3 : medical practice concerned with allergies

4 : a feeling of antipathy or aversion

See allergy defined for English-language learners

See allergy defined for kids

Examples of allergy in a Sentence

Many people have some form of allergy.
independent-minded people who seem to have an allergy to any control from the government

Recent Examples of allergy from the Web

Unfortunately, there’s no cure to make your seasonal allergies go away for good.

— janissa delzo, Teen Vogue, "Seasonal Allergies Particularly Bad in 2018 Thanks to "Pollen Tsunami"," 11 May 2018
And for years, doctors kept diagnosing her with seasonal allergies.

— gabriella paiella, The Cut, "Woman’s Seasonal Allergies Turn Out to Actually Be a Brain Leak," 9 May 2018
The number of people with allergies is increasing, for a variety of reasons.

— umair irfan, Vox, "It’s not your imagination. Allergy season gets worse every year.," 28 Apr. 2018
Sunny has been struggling with seasonal allergies and arthritis in her shoulder, Sally says.

— kate bennis, Good Housekeeping, "How Dog Acupuncture Could Change Your Pet's Life," 27 Apr. 2018
Theft - Retail 600 block of West Glades Road, Boca Raton, March 2, 8:07 p.m. Two males stole about $1,000 worth of allergy medicine from a store.

— Sun-Sentinel.com, "Boca Raton Area Crime Log: Feb. 26 - March 7," 20 Mar. 2018
Often, as in my case, there are correlations with allergies.

— brad rickman, Condé Nast Traveler, "Traveling With Asthma," 17 Apr. 2018
And, for families with food allergies or other nutritional concerns, the ingredients and allergens will be posted on the menu.

— amy schwabe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Going to the new Ikea with kids in tow? Here's what will keep them busy while you shop.," 3 Apr. 2018
Many cassava products are naturally vegan as well as nut-, grain-, and gluten-free, making them a great choice for those on selective diets or with food allergies and sensitivities. 4.

— laura scholz, Good Housekeeping, "Everything You Should Know About Cassava Flour, the Allergy-Friendly Starch That's Taking Over," 28 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'allergy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of allergy

German Allergie, from all- + Greek ergon work — more at work

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1908

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

allergy Synonyms

ALLERGY Defined for English Language Learners

allergy

noun

Definition of allergy for English Language Learners

: a medical condition that causes someone to become sick after eating, touching, or breathing something that is harmless to most people

ALLERGY Defined for Kids

allergy

noun al·ler·gy \ ˈa-lər-jē \

Definition of allergy for Students

plural allergies

: a condition in which a person is made sick by something that is harmless to most people

Medical Dictionary

allergy

noun al·ler·gy \ ˈal-ər-jē \

medical Definition of allergy

plural allergies

1 : altered bodily reactivity (as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure

his bee-venom allergy may render a second sting fatal

2 : exaggerated or pathological reaction (as by sneezing, respiratory embarrassment, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual

3 : medical practice concerned with allergies