conjunctivitis

noun

con·​junc·​ti·​vi·​tis kən-ˌjəŋ(k)-ti-ˈvī-təs How to pronounce conjunctivitis (audio)
: inflammation of the conjunctiva

Examples of conjunctivitis 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.
Eye infections are a leading cause, particularly conjunctivitis, often linked to viruses like feline herpesvirus, or bacteria and fungi. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025 Calicivirus - sneezing, nasal discharge, ulceration of the surface of the nose, conjunctivitis (eye inflammation), eye discharge, ulcers on the lip, tongue or elsewhere in the mouth, fever, lethargy, dehydration, pneumonia, joint inflammation or signs related to blood vessel wall inflammation. Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 25 Sep. 2025 Passing gas does not release the bacteria or viruses that cause conjunctivitis into the air.3 This myth likely started because pink eye can spread when bacteria from stool (poop) particles on your hands enter your eyes. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 20 Sep. 2025 When applied incorrectly and with contaminated products, eye makeup has been linked to conjunctivitis (pink eye), blepharitis, and other disorders that cause eye inflammation.5 5. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conjunctivitis

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conjunctivitis was in 1835

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Cite this Entry

“Conjunctivitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conjunctivitis. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

conjunctivitis

noun
con·​junc·​ti·​vi·​tis kən-ˌjəŋ(k)-ti-ˈvīt-əs How to pronounce conjunctivitis (audio)
: inflammation of the conjunctiva : pinkeye

Medical Definition

conjunctivitis

noun
con·​junc·​ti·​vi·​tis kən-ˌjəŋ(k)-ti-ˈvīt-əs How to pronounce conjunctivitis (audio)
: inflammation of the conjunctiva that is typically marked by pinkness or redness of the sclera and by itching, burning, irritation, discharge, or excessive tearing of the eye and that is typically caused by pathogenic microorganisms (such as bacteria or viruses), allergens, or irritants see pink eye

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