sick building syndrome

noun

: 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

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sick building syndrome was in 1983

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Cite this Entry

“Sick building syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sick%20building%20syndrome. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

Medical Definition

sick building syndrome

noun
: 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
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