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
di·ag·nos·able
variants
or diagnoseable
ˈdīə̇gˌnōsəbəl
-īēg- also -ōzə- or ˌ⸗⸗ˈ⸗⸗⸗
: capable of being diagnosed
Examples of diagnose in a Sentence
Verb
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
Tony Peterson, CBS News, 17 June 2026
In 2021, Parazaider revealed he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 17 June 2026
The only exception is if your dog has a grain allergy that’s been diagnosed by a veterinary professional, but grain allergies in dogs are rare.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 17 June 2026
Shortly after launching in 2016, his father was diagnosed with colon cancer.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for diagnose
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Verb
He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer three years ago.
—Tony Peterson, CBS News, 17 June 2026
In 2021, Parazaider revealed he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 17 June 2026
The only exception is if your dog has a grain allergy that’s been diagnosed by a veterinary professional, but grain allergies in dogs are rare.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 17 June 2026
Shortly after launching in 2016, his father was diagnosed with colon cancer.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 17 June 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 23 Jun. 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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