botulism

noun

bot·​u·​lism ˈbä-chə-ˌli-zəm 

: acute food poisoning that is caused by botulinum toxin produced in food by a bacterial clostridium (Clostridium botulinum) and is characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis, disturbances of vision, swallowing, and speech, and a high mortality rate

Examples of botulism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

ByHeart has recalled all batches of its infant formula sold nationwide amid a multistate outbreak of infant botulism. —Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 14 Nov. 2025

Other big stories ➤ A Flagstaff couple whose daughter was hospitalized with a case of infant botulism after eating formula that was later recalled during a national outbreak has filed a lawsuit against the formula manufacturer. —Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 14 Nov. 2025

If a baby starts showing signs of infant botulism, seek immediate medical attention. —Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025

Infant botulism is very treatable, especially when caught early, according to Cleveland Clinic. —Evan Moore november 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for botulism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

Kids Definition

botulism

noun

bot·​u·​lism ˈbäch-ə-ˌliz-əm 

: poisoning caused by eating food containing a toxin made by a spore-forming bacterium

Medical Definition

botulism

noun

bot·​u·​lism ˈbäch-ə-ˌliz-əm 

: acute food poisoning caused by botulinum toxin produced in food by a bacterium of the genus Clostridium (C. botulinum) and characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis, disturbances of vision, swallowing, and speech, and a high mortality rate see botulinum toxin, limberneck