pneumonia

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 Alireza's bouts of pneumonia, respiratory and cardiopulmonary problems sent the family racing to the emergency room time after time, including the day Ahmadi was due to deliver her second child by Caesarean section. — oregonlive, "A story in The Oregonian changed his family’s life forever, and set his career choice," 30 June 2020 But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the highly contagious virus can cause severe illness, including pneumonia, and be fatal. — Fox News, "Texas hits 5,000 new coronavirus cases for first time as infections surge," 24 June 2020 The World Health Organization’s guidance for treating people with Covid-19 still recommends against the use of steroids, based on reviews of trials using the drugs against other kinds of viral pneumonia. — Adam Rogers, Wired, "Dexamethasone and the Recovery Trial’s High-Speed Science," 24 June 2020 He was admitted June 15 to Banner Baywood Medical Center with COVID-19 and pneumonia after experiencing body aches, nasal congestion, fatigue, headaches, chills, sweating, shortness of breath, and other symptoms, according to Flores. — Audrey Jensen, The Arizona Republic, "'I didn't take this seriously': Tempe man gets COVID-19 after sharing drinks in bar," 24 June 2020 In a statement Wednesday, his medical team said that on Tuesday his pneumonia appeared to be worsening with greater inflammation in his lungs and falling oxygen levels. — Washington Post, "Honduras president with COVID-19 and pneumonia is improving," 24 June 2020 But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the highly contagious virus can cause severe illness, including pneumonia, and be fatal. — Paul J. Weber, Houston Chronicle, "Governor: Texas hits 5,000 new virus cases for first time," 23 June 2020 With her husband’s condition worsening by the day, Betty Howe requested an ambulance a week and a half into his illness, and at the hospital, his pneumonia was diagnosed. — Susan Slusser, SFChronicle.com, "A’s Gone By: Even after COVID-19 fight, Art Howe wants to see season start," 22 June 2020 The Arizona registration of a new company, Telepoint Medical Services LLC, was approved Dec. 31, the day the World Health Organization was notified about pneumonia cases of unknown cause in Wuhan, China. — USA Today, "‘You could see the train wreck coming’: Inexperienced, dubious companies among many aiming to cash in on coronavirus antibody tests," 2 June 2020

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

5 Jul 2020

Cite this Entry

“Pneumonia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pneumonia. Accessed 6 Jul. 2020.

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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

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