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

Already, in South Africa, an ostrich flock that survives bird flu would only be quarantined and rigorously tested for reinfection, not slaughtered. — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

The company said one researcher exchanged thousands of messages with its AI systems about improving the mammalian transmission of a highly lethal bird flu virus. — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 19 Sep. 2026

The examples include possible gain-of-function research and involve both infectious diseases, such as bird flu, and novel venoms and toxins. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

According to the report, Secret World typically avoids waterbird rescue because of the risk of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, spreading through its center and affecting the rest of the wildlife hospital. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bird flu

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Medical Definition

bird flu

noun

ˈbərd- 

: 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