1
: the major histocompatibility complex in humans
2
: a genetic locus, gene, or antigen of HLA
often used with one or more letters to designate a locus or with letters and a number to designate an allele at the locus or the antigen corresponding to the locus and allele

Examples of HLA 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.
For the next version of the genetic risk score test, the plan is to incorporate specific HLA types present in Africans, East Asians, and several other groups, says Hagopian, who collaborates with Oram. Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025 The team noted that further analyses were unable to identify any characteristic at the start of the trial that predicted treatment response, including age, specific immune system genes known as human leukocyte antigens (HLA), body mass index (BMI) or number of autoantibodies. Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025 Its high-response linear actuator (HLA) focus motor snaps between near and far-off subjects in an instant, even with the a7R IV's autofocus system, which isn't as speedy as more recent Sony and L-mount cameras. PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2025 Genetics: Some forms of pemphigus are associated with mutations of the HLA genes and other genes. Mark Gurarie, Health, 10 Aug. 2025 More specifically, the researchers found a reduced diversity of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, which help support immune health. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

human leukocyte antigen

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of HLA was in 1968

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Cite this Entry

“HLA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/HLA. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

HLA

noun
variants also HL-A
1
: the major histocompatibility complex in humans
2
: a genetic locus, gene, or antigen of the major histocompatibility complex in humans
often used attributively
HLA antigens
HLA typing
often used with one or more letters to designate a locus or with letters and a number to designate an allele at the locus or the antigen corresponding to the locus and allele
relationship … between HLA-B27 antigen and ankylosing spondylitisG. E. Ehrlich
Etymology

human leukocyte antigen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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