inoculation

noun

in·​oc·​u·​la·​tion i-ˌnä-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce inoculation (audio)
1
: the act or process or an instance of inoculating
especially : the introduction of a pathogen or antigen into a living organism to stimulate the production of antibodies
2

Examples of inoculation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Although recent efforts have focused on inoculations against SARS-CoV-2, nasal vaccines could also protect us against the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and more. Stephani Sutherland, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024 The best inoculation against misinformation is the truth. Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 Manufacturers need large numbers of infected people to test their inoculations. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 20 Sep. 2024 Producing vaccines—particularly those as technologically complex as the messenger RNA (mRNA) inoculations against COVID-19—requires not only patents but an entire infrastructure that cannot be transferred overnight. Peter J. Hotez, Foreign Affairs, 10 May 2021 See all Example Sentences for inoculation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inoculation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inoculation was in 1714

Dictionary Entries Near inoculation

Cite this Entry

“Inoculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inoculation. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

inoculation

noun
in·​oc·​u·​la·​tion in-ˌäk-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce inoculation (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of inoculating
2
: material used in inoculating

Medical Definition

inoculation

noun
in·​oc·​u·​la·​tion in-ˌäk-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce inoculation (audio)
1
: the act or process or an instance of inoculating: as
a
: the introduction of a microorganism into a medium suitable for its growth
b(1)
: the introduction of a pathogen or antigen into a living organism to stimulate the production of antibodies
(2)
: the introduction of a vaccine or serum into a living organism to confer immunity
travelers in the tropics should have typhoid inoculations
2

More from Merriam-Webster on inoculation

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