immunization

noun

im·​mu·​ni·​za·​tion ˌi-myə-nə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce immunization (audio)
 also  i-ˌmyü-nə-
plural immunizations
: the act of making someone or something immune or the state of being immune : the act or result of immunizing someone or something: such as
a
: the production of immunity in a living organism against a disease or pathogenic agent
The plasmids used for immunization have been altered to carry genes specifying one or more antigenic proteins normally made by a selected pathogen …David B. Weiner et al.
also : treatment (as by vaccination) for the purpose of making an organism immune to a disease or pathogenic agent : the administration of an immune-producing substance
Measles is the single most infectious common disease—one person with measles who blunders into a crowded room will give it to almost everyone. If there were no immunization, measles would be universal. Wayne Biddle
Those benefits can include preventive care, such as annual physicals, immunizations, and well-baby visits. Consumer Reports
b
: the providing of protection or exemption from something harmful or unwanted (such as legal action)
immunization from liability
The Interior Department is negotiating with other private landowners to extend similar immunization from prosecution to those who agree to avoid activities that might hurt the bird's chances of survival.Ken Miller

Examples of immunization 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.
The Texas Department of State Health Services said in a 2024-2025 report of student immunization status that 6.76% of Texas kindergarteners did not receive the measles vaccine. Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025 These guidelines differ from FDA approvals and Kennedy’s guidelines announced on X, and they have not been reviewed or voted on in an advisory committee on immunization practices meeting. David Higgins, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2025 The health district encouraged residents to check their immunization records. Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 8 Aug. 2025 That legislation eliminated the state’s longstanding religious exemption from childhood immunization requirements for schools, colleges and day care facilities. Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for immunization

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of immunization was in 1889

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Immunization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immunization. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

immunization

noun
im·​mu·​ni·​za·​tion
ˌim-yə-nə-ˈzā-shən
: treatment (as with a vaccine) to produce immunity to a disease

Medical Definition

immunization

noun
im·​mu·​ni·​za·​tion
variants also British immunisation
: the creation of immunity usually against a particular disease
especially : treatment (as by vaccination) of an organism for the purpose of making it immune to a particular pathogen
immunization against polio

More from Merriam-Webster on immunization

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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