diagnose
verb
di·ag·nose
ˈdī-ig-ˌnōs 
-ˌnōz,
ˌdī-ig-ˈnōs
-ˈnōz,
-əg-
diagnosed; diagnosing
1
a
: to recognize (something, such as a disease) by signs and symptoms
The other method of diagnosing gallstones is through an ultrasound examination, which has the advantages of being simple, safe and quick.—
G. Timothy Johnson
G. Timothy JohnsonPulmonary embolus was diagnosed in two of the actively treated patients …—Richard D. Sautter et al.
Richard D. Sautter et al.
b
: to recognize a disease or condition in
The physicist and cosmologist was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease when he was a 21-year-old student at Cambridge University.—Maria Cheng
Maria Cheng2
: to analyze the cause or nature of
The mechanic diagnosed the problem with the engine.
: to identify a disease from its signs and symptoms : to make a diagnosis
Examples of diagnose in a Sentence
The test is used to help in diagnosing heart disease.
Thousands of new cases have been diagnosed in the past year.
The doctor was unable to diagnose the skin condition.
a new doctor with little experience diagnosing patients
The mechanic was unable to diagnose the problem.
Recent Examples on the Web
The actress known for playing Chelsea on The Young and the Restless on and off since 2011 revealed Thursday that she's been diagnosed with heart disease at the age of 44.
—Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Feb. 2026
Research finds that ads bring patients into care, while leaving prescribing decisions largely in physicians’ hands, resulting in more patients being diagnosed and treated.
—Anna Chorniy, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2026
Many people are diagnosed with the disease during routine checkups and blood tests.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 27 Feb. 2026
Hasimi was only 33 years old when she was diagnosed in February 2024 and the shock of the diagnosis at such a young age was life changing for the Bridgeport resident.
—Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for diagnose
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Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Feb. 2026
Research finds that ads bring patients into care, while leaving prescribing decisions largely in physicians’ hands, resulting in more patients being diagnosed and treated.
—Anna Chorniy, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2026
Many people are diagnosed with the disease during routine checkups and blood tests.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 27 Feb. 2026
Hasimi was only 33 years old when she was diagnosed in February 2024 and the shock of the diagnosis at such a young age was life changing for the Bridgeport resident.
—Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for diagnose
Cite this Entry
“Diagnose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diagnose. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
diagnose
verb
di·ag·nose
ˈdī-ig-ˌnōs
-ˌnōz
-ˌnōz
ˌdī-ig-ˈnōs,
-ˈnōz
diagnosed; diagnosing
: to recognize by signs and symptoms : make a diagnosis
diagnose a disease
diagnose a play in football
Medical Definition
diagnose
verb
di·ag·nose
ˈdī-ig-ˌnōs
-ˌnōz
-ˌnōz
ˌdī-ig-ˈ,
-əg-
diagnosed; diagnosing
1
: to recognize (as a disease) by signs and symptoms
2
: to diagnose a disease or condition in
diagnosed the patient
: to make a diagnosis
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