symptom

noun symp·tom \ ˈsim(p)-təm \

|Updated on: 11 Jul 2018

Definition of symptom

1 a : subjective evidence of disease or physical disturbance; broadly : something that indicates the presence of bodily disorder

b : an evident reaction by a plant to a pathogen

2 a : something that indicates the existence of something else

symptoms of an inner turmoil

b : a slight indication : trace

—

symptomless

play \ˈsim(p)-təm-ləs\ adjective

See symptom defined for English-language learners

See symptom defined for kids

Recent Examples of symptom from the Web

Residents can also call the health department’s West Nile hotline at 47-377-8300 to report areas of stagnant water, report locations of dead birds, and obtain more information on the signs and symptoms of West Nile virus.

— jim newton, Lake County News-Sun, "Highland Park area mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus," 3 July 2018
Example: The country's current economic problems are symptoms of a deeper malaise.

— stacey leasca, Southern Living, "9 Words That Will Make You Sound Smarter," 3 July 2018
While not always visible, a few physical signs and symptoms can indicate scoliosis: How is scoliosis treated?

— caroline picard, Good Housekeeping, "What Is Scoliosis? Princess Eugenie Just Opened Up About Her Spinal Condition," 2 July 2018
These are signs and symptoms of an abusive relationship.

— amy dickinson, Detroit Free Press, "Successful son fails at relationship with mom," 28 June 2018
These are signs and symptoms of an abusive relationship.

— amy dickinson, chicagotribune.com, "Successful son fails at relationship with mom," 28 June 2018
But the education ministry’s plan, which Mr Kim and his fellow activists see as an assault on their village, is a symptom of a wider trend.

— The Economist, "South Korea’s fertility rate is the lowest in the world," 28 June 2018
Some critics of gaming disorder, including Ferguson, also worry that unhealthy gaming is merely a symptom of more serious underlying conditions, like depression, anxiety, or autism-spectrum disorder.

— ian bogost, The Atlantic, "Why Is There a ‘Gaming Disorder’ But No ‘Smartphone Disorder?’," 28 June 2018
These are signs and symptoms of an abusive relationship.

— amy dickinson, BostonGlobe.com, "Successful son fails at relationship with mom," 27 June 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of symptom

Late Latin symptomat-, symptoma, from Greek symptōmat-, symptōma happening, attribute, symptom, from sympiptein to happen, from syn- + piptein to fall — more at feather

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1541

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of symptom

sign, mark, token, note, symptom mean a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible. sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.