bird flu

noun

: avian influenza
specifically : severe often fatal influenza A caused by strains of a subtype (H5N1) of the causative orthomyxovirus that have produced epidemics in domestic birds especially in Asia with sporadic associated human infections

Examples of bird flu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Which Indiana counties have detected bird flu? Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 17 Oct. 2025 In the first quarter of the year egg prices were largely influenced by a breakout of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, causing prices to stay high. Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Oct. 2025 After a relatively quiet summer for the bird flu, H5N1 spiked when water fowl began their migration. Joan Morris, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025 The biotech company Moderna was developing a bird flu vaccine that used the mRNA platform, but the Department of Health and Human Services canceled its grant. Evan Bush, NBC news, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bird flu

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bird flu was in 1972

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Cite this Entry

“Bird flu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bird%20flu. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

bird flu

noun
: avian influenza
specifically : severe often fatal influenza A caused by strains of a subtype (H5N1) of the causative orthomyxovirus that have produced epidemics in domestic birds especially in Asia with sporadic associated human infections

More from Merriam-Webster on bird flu

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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