To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Definition of sick building syndrome
: a set of symptoms (such as headache, fatigue, and eye irritation) typically affecting workers in modern airtight office buildings that is believed to be caused by indoor pollutants (such as formaldehyde fumes or microorganisms) — compare multiple chemical sensitivity
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for sick building syndrome
sick building syndrome
nounsick build·ing syndrome | \ -ˈbil-diŋ- 
\
\Medical Definition of sick building syndrome
: a set of symptoms (as headache, fatigue, eye irritation, and breathing difficulties) that typically affect workers in modern airtight office buildings, that are believed to be caused by indoor pollutants (as formaldehyde fumes, particulate matter, or microorganisms), and that tend to disappear when affected individuals leave the building
—abbreviation SBS — compare building-related illness
Comments on sick building syndrome
What made you want to look up sick building syndrome? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
The Eponym Quiz
- Which is the best synonym of bowdlerize?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- The Eponym Quiz
Do you know these words that come from names?
Take the quiz - Liar, Liar Quiz
Test your knowledge of words for lies, liars, and those being lied to. In other words, everyone.
Take the quiz - Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - Bee Cubed
Listen to the words and spell through all three levels.
Play the game
Share sick building syndrome
Time Traveler for sick building syndrome
The first known use of sick building syndrome was in 1983
See more words from the same year