bird flu

noun

: avian influenza
specifically : severe often fatal influenza A caused by strains of a subtype (H5N1) of the causative orthomyxovirus (Alphainfluenzavirus influenzae) 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.
Ohio saw just under 300 cases of wild bird flu since 2022, according to federal data. Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Dec. 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, 3 Dec. 2025 The spike was driven by a bird flu epidemic in late 2024 that caused suppliers to temporarily ration eggs. Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 3 Dec. 2025 And could again spell trouble for us if a bird flu virus successfully spills over into human populations. New Atlas, 1 Dec. 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 11 Dec. 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 (Alphainfluenzavirus influenzae) 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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