pneumonia

noun

pneu·mo·nia | \ nu̇-ˈmō-nyə

, nyu̇-\

Definition of pneumonia

: an acute disease that is marked by inflammation of lung tissue accompanied by infiltration of alveoli and often bronchioles with white blood cells (such as neutrophils) and fibrinous exudate, is characterized by fever, chills, cough, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, chest pain, and reduced lung expansion, and is typically caused by an infectious agent (such as a bacterium, virus, or fungus) — see bronchopneumonia, pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, primary atypical pneumonia — compare pneumonitis

Examples of pneumonia in a Sentence

He caught pneumonia over the winter.

Recent Examples on the Web

That outlet noted Lee had suffered several illnesses over the last year or so, including dealing with pneumonia. — Nathan Mattise, Ars Technica, "Legendary Marvel Comics creator Stan Lee has died," 12 Nov. 2018 The team is hopeful that James Paxton, who returned Monday after being out with pneumonia, will be able to make a start in the final weekend. — Scott Hanson, The Seattle Times, "Mariners rally in 11th, end A’s chances at AL West title," 25 Sep. 2018 Maryland Democrat Steny Hoyer, the House Minority Whip, was admitted to a Washington hospital Tuesday for pneumonia, The Sun of Baltimore reported Wednesday. — Bob D'angelo, ajc, "House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer admitted to hospital," 5 July 2018 Dunn, whose brother and mother have flown to Spain to be with her, was allegedly sedated and intubated for pneumonia while in the hospital, which has complicated her case. — Alexandria Hein, Fox News, "Arizona student paralyzed by rare disorder while on vacation in Spain," 13 June 2018 Last year, Bush was hospitalized three times for pneumonia, the flu and chronic bronchitis. — Jessica Estepa, USA TODAY, "Former president George H.W. Bush to remain hospitalized over weekend," 27 Apr. 2018 Bush was hospitalized for 16 days in January 2017 for pneumonia. — Bloomberg.com, "George H.W. Bush Hospitalized With Blood Infection, Spokesman Says," 24 Apr. 2018 Three years earlier, she was treated for pneumonia. — Todd Ackerman, San Antonio Express-News, "Former first lady Barbara Bush decides to forgo treatment," 15 Apr. 2018 Police were unable to confirm whether Ross was transported to the hospital, though TMZ reported he was hospitalized, potentially for pneumonia. — Sun-Sentinel.com, "Rick Ross found unresponsive at Davie home," 2 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pneumonia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

3 May 2019

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Time Traveler for pneumonia

The first known use of pneumonia was in 1603

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More Definitions for pneumonia

pneumonia

noun

English Language Learners Definition of pneumonia

medical : a serious disease that affects the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe

See the full definition for pneumonia in the English Language Learners Dictionary

pneumonia

noun

pneu·mo·nia | \ nu̇-ˈmō-nyə

, nyu̇-ˈmō-\

Kids Definition of pneumonia

: a serious illness affecting the lungs that is marked especially by fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing

pneumonia

noun

pneu·mo·nia | \ n(y)u̇-ˈmō-nyə

Medical Definition of pneumonia

: an acute disease that is marked by inflammation of lung tissue accompanied by infiltration of alveoli and often bronchioles with white blood cells (as neutrophils) and fibrinous exudate, is characterized by fever, chills, cough, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, chest pain, and reduced lung expansion, and is typically caused by an infectious agent (as a bacterium, virus, or fungus) — see bronchopneumonia, lobar pneumonia, pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, primary atypical pneumonia