bronchiolitis

noun

bron·​chi·​ol·​i·​tis ˌbräŋ-kē-ō-ˈlī-təs How to pronounce bronchiolitis (audio)
: inflammation of the bronchioles

Examples of bronchiolitis 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.
This condition, called bronchiolitis, can cause wheezing and is most dangerous in the first months of life, when newborns’ airways are extremely narrow. Liz Szabo, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2025 The virus can also cause complications like bronchiolitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma or an ear infection, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025 These patients can develop serious complications such as pneumonia, or infection of the lung; as well as bronchiolitis, or inflammation of the airways. Omer Awan, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 Blood and urinary cultures may also be performed (bronchiolitis related to RSV can occur with a urinary tract infection in newborns). Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 3 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for bronchiolitis

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from bronchiolum bronchiole + -itis -itis

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bronchiolitis was in 1887

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bronchiolitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bronchiolitis. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

bronchiolitis

noun
bron·​chi·​ol·​itis -ō-ˈlīt-əs How to pronounce bronchiolitis (audio)
: inflammation of the bronchioles

More from Merriam-Webster on bronchiolitis

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