listeria

noun

lis·​te·​ria li-ˈstir-ē-ə 

plural listeria

: any of a genus (Listeria) of small, gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria that do not form spores and have a tendency to grow in chains and that include one (Listeria monocytogenes) that causes listeriosis

A common germ found in many foods from raw vegetables to hot dogs, listeria can cause a sometimes fatal disease called listeriosis when present in large quantities.

—Amy Barrett

also : a disease or sickness caused by infection with this bacterium : listeriosis

Listeria symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

—Sierra Brown

Examples of listeria in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Companies from Hollywood and Hoboken, New Jersey recalled 1,513 pounds of ready-to-eat pork after a sample tested positive for listeria. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2026

Several foods, supplements and pet products were recalled in August over concerns ranging from possible salmonella and listeria contamination to undeclared allergens, foreign materials and other potential hazards. — Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026

One person died from a listeria infection traced to ricotta cheese. — Dylan Scott, Vox, 27 Aug. 2026

Those who develop an intestinal illness from listeria should drink plenty of fluids, and those with invasive illnesses from the bacteria may need to be treated with antibiotics, the website says. — Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Listeria, from Joseph Lister

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for listeria

• arteria
• bacteria
• criteria
• diphtheria
• egeria
• wisteria
• cafeteria
• cyanobacteria
• mycobacteria

Medical Definition

listeria

noun

lis·​te·​ria lis-ˈtir-ē-ə 

1

capitalized : a genus of small gram-positive flagellated rod-shaped bacteria that do not form spores, are aerobic or facultatively anaerobic, and have a tendency to grow in chains and that include one (L. monocytogenes) causing listeriosis

2

: any bacterium of the genus Listeria

called also listerella

listerial

lis-ˈtir-ē-əl 

adjective

listeric

-ik 

adjective