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

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about allergy

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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

If your child has allergies, visit noappetiteforbullying.com for guidance. — Jessica Migala, Woman's Day, "How to Keep Your Kids Safe From Food Allergies," 19 Nov. 2018 Also leave copies of your pet’s vaccinations and any recent medical work or necessary strictures such as whether the animal has any allergies. — Robin Tribble, Popular Mechanics, "How to Make Sure Your Pets Have a Happy Holiday Too," 12 Nov. 2018 Other studies conclude that breastfeeding may cut a child’s risk of developing allergies and asthma. — Marie Mccullough, Philly.com, "Why breastfeeding is best, despite that Trump administration uproar," 9 July 2018 The interest developed after their first child was born with allergies and asthma. — Kenneth R. Gosselin, courant.com, "UConn Campus At Hartford's Front Street Gets First Retail Leases," 26 June 2018 Springtime in New York means more than allergies and clement weather. — H.w. Vail, Vanities, "Former Ballet Student Ansel Elgort Hasn't Given Up on Dance," 4 May 2018 Ford ultimately recovered, but his allergy and diet issues linger. — Ron Kroichick, San Francisco Chronicle, "St. Mary’s Jordan Ford taking spin in spotlight," 18 Mar. 2018 What’s more, making nettles a regular part of the diet helps quell allergies and arthritis. — Sunset, "Top 10 Medicinal Plants You Can Grow at Home," 22 Jan. 2018 Bedbugs have also been shown to aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms in people who already suffer from them. — Amanda Greene, Woman's Day, "10 Things You Didn't Know About Bedbugs," 14 Mar. 2017

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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Dictionary Entries near allergy

Statistics for allergy

Last Updated

1 May 2019

Look-up Popularity

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