: the coronavirus (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 of the genus Betacoronavirus) that is the causative agent of COVID-19

Examples of SARS-CoV-2 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.
In a new study led by The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health (The Florey), researchers have discovered that a SARS-CoV-2 infection in male mice can alter their sperm, leading to changes in an offspring’s brain and behavior. New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2025 The research indicated that there were increases in death and in metastatic lung disease among cancer survivors infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 24 Sep. 2025 WastewaterSCAN's dashboard shows high levels of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the wastewater nationally over the last 21 days, including in Michigan. Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 17 Sep. 2025 Therefore, a reminder, any reminder of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein at least every year or so, could keep your immune system more attuned. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025 When the SARS-CoV-2 delta and omicron variants emerged in the spring and fall of 2021, mRNA vaccines became less effective in preventing infections. Deborah Fuller, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025 The researchers conducted SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen testing twice a week to diagnose infection. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025 When the SARS-CoV-2 delta and omicron variants emerged in the spring and fall of 2021, mRNA vaccines became less effective in preventing infections. Deborah Fuller, The Conversation, 3 Sep. 2025 File photo of an employee of the Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) preparing the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine against the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 for vaccination in a vaccination center, taken in Bavaria, Germany, in January 2021. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

2020, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of SARS-CoV-2 was in 2020

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Cite this Entry

“SARS-CoV-2.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/SARS-CoV-2. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

SARS-CoV-2

noun
: the coronavirus (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 of the genus Betacoronavirus) that is the causative agent of COVID-19 see delta variant, omicron variant
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