pertussis

noun

per·​tus·​sis pər-ˈtə-səs How to pronounce pertussis (audio)

Examples of pertussis 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.
Keeping Cough Keeping Cough is a pertussis infection caused by holding in a productive cough owing to the fear of being perceived as having some form of coronavirus. Alexis Wilkinson, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026 The danger with pertussis is the cough that can linger for weeks to months and difficulty breathing. Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026 The state health department issued a health alert because of the high number of pertussis cases, the second year in a row the department has done so. Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Feb. 2026 Legislative action is required to repeal the vaccine mandates for polio, diphtheria (a bacterial infection), rubeola (measles), rubella (a viral infection, also called German measles), pertussis (whooping cough), mumps and tetanus. Doris Alvarez Cea, Florida Times-Union, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pertussis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin per- thoroughly + tussis cough

First Known Use

circa 1772, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pertussis was circa 1772

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pertussis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pertussis. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

pertussis

noun
per·​tus·​sis pər-ˈtəs-əs How to pronounce pertussis (audio)

Medical Definition

pertussis

noun
per·​tus·​sis pər-ˈtəs-əs How to pronounce pertussis (audio)

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