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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Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing allergy 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 There are a few overlaps with COVID-19 symptoms and allergy symptoms, Corbett said. — Sarah Ladd, The Courier-Journal, 14 Apr. 2022 Ear pressure relief for allergies: As in the case above, ear congestion caused by allergies will improve when your allergy symptoms calm down. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 30 Mar. 2022 People concerned about having developed soy allergy symptoms should consider contacting their doctor. — Chris Smith, BGR, 25 Feb. 2022 And peanut allergies are the most common food allergy in adults. — Julekha Dash, WSJ, 21 Apr. 2022 The other good news is that, unlike a food allergy, squash hands only affects the skin. — Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 12 Nov. 2021 There's no reason to avoid the Covid-19 vaccine if your child has a common food allergy, Wen stressed. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 6 Nov. 2021 Teal pumpkins signify a food-allergy awareness program known as the Teal Pumpkin Project. — Zee Krstic, Good Housekeeping, 10 Sep. 2021 Quinto, who was born in the Philippines, was honorably discharged from the Navy in 2019 because of a food allergy, according to his family. — NBC News, 10 Aug. 2021 See More

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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History and Etymology for allergy

borrowed from German Allergie "heightened reaction to an antigen to which an individual has been previously exposed," from all- all- + -ergie, in Energie energy, or directly from its source, Greek -ergeia, taken to mean "action, response"

Note: The term was introduced, along with allergisch allergic and Allergen allergen, by the German physician Clemens Peter Freiherr von Pirquet (1874-1929) in "Allergie," Münchener medizinische Wochenschrift, 53. Jahrgang, Nr. 30 (July 24, 1906), pp. 1457-58.

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Buying Guide

Our Reviews team has selected the best vacuums for allergies.

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Dictionary Entries Near allergy

allergist

allergy

allergy shot

Statistics for allergy

Last Updated

9 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Allergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allergy. Accessed 20 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for allergy

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