allergy

noun

al·ler·gy | \ˈa-lər-jē

plural allergies

Definition of allergy

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

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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 on the Web

The perks of the lightweight machine are its detachable canister for portable cleaning, swivel steering, and anti-allergy seal. — Collier Sutter, House Beautiful, "People Are Obsessed With This $150 Vacuum From Amazon," 2 Oct. 2018 While studies have yet to confirm the claims, some swear by the product's ability to alleviate allergies, soothe stress, and promote better sleep. — Taysha Murtaugh, Country Living, "Those Himalayan Salt Lamps Everyone's Obsessed With Now Come in Skull Form," 25 Sep. 2018 The company noted that the tainted almond milk is not harmful unless a drinker has a sensitivity or allergy to dairy. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "What is milk? Answer muddled after almond milk mixes with cow milk," 6 Aug. 2018 The most recent estimate show that about 2.1 percent of people in the United States have peanut allergies. — Scott Berson, charlotteobserver, "Mom called 'inconsiderate' and 'disgusting' for letting kid eat peanut butter in Target | Charlotte Observer," 12 Apr. 2018 The Obamas' newest addition was born last June in Michigan and, like Bo, is a Portuguese Water Dog, an ideal breed for them since Malia has allergies. — Marlisse Cepeda, Woman's Day, "The Obamas Welcome a New Dog," 20 Aug. 2013 File this one under terrifying news for allergy season. — USA TODAY, "Is your salad safe? The romaine lettuce E. coli outbreak hits 29 states," 9 May 2018 Some experts believe the spring allergy season may be shorter but more intense this year, too. — Jessica Leigh Mattern, Country Living, "Get Ready Folks, Allergy Season Will Be at Its Worst Later This Month," 13 Apr. 2018 As the first official day of spring has passed, allergy season is upon us. — Sonja Haller, azcentral, "National Puppy Day 2018: Pet deals you need in your life for your little fluff of cuteness," 22 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.

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Last Updated

13 Nov 2018

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Time Traveler for allergy

The first known use of allergy was in 1908

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More Definitions for allergy

allergy

noun

English Language Learners Definition of allergy

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

See the full definition for allergy in the English Language Learners Dictionary

allergy

noun

al·ler·gy | \ˈa-lər-jē

plural allergies

Kids Definition of allergy

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

allergy

noun

al·ler·gy | \ˈal-ər-jē

plural allergies

Medical Definition of allergy

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