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
Over the centuries she’s been branded a traitor, condemned as a nymphomaniac, diagnosed as a sociopath and — more recently — defended as a victim of circumstances.
—Phillipa Gregory, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
Arthurs shared the news in a candid Instagram post Friday, telling fans he was diagnosed earlier this year and is now entering the next phase of treatment.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
While the rates of women diagnosed with breast cancer have increased, death rates have been declining, and five-year survival rates have risen.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2025
According to Agnifilo, three medical experts have diagnosed Combs with post-traumatic stress disorder, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for diagnose
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Phillipa Gregory, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
Arthurs shared the news in a candid Instagram post Friday, telling fans he was diagnosed earlier this year and is now entering the next phase of treatment.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
While the rates of women diagnosed with breast cancer have increased, death rates have been declining, and five-year survival rates have risen.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2025
According to Agnifilo, three medical experts have diagnosed Combs with post-traumatic stress disorder, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for diagnose
Cite this Entry
“Diagnose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diagnose. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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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