flu

noun

ˈflü 

1

: influenza

2

: any of several virus diseases marked especially by respiratory or intestinal symptoms

flu-like

ˈflü-ˌlīk 

adjective

Examples of flu in a Sentence

He came down with a bad bout of the flu.

Recent Examples on the Web

He was previously hospitalized in February after experiencing flu-like symptoms, a spokesperson said at the time. — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 8 July 2026

McConnell was also hospitalized in February with what his office described as flu-like symptoms. — Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

This year, McConnell was also hospitalized in February with flu-like symptoms. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 7 July 2026

Officials are also urging anyone who spent time along the east side of Central Park between East 76th Street and East 97th Street to watch for flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, chills and muscle aches. — Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

by shortening

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing flu

• anti-flu
• Asian flu
• avian flu
• bird flu
• blue flu
• flu season
• stomach flu
• swine flu
• yuppie flu

Rhymes for flu

• blew
• blue
• boo
• brew
• chew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• dew

Kids Definition

flu

noun

ˈflü 

1

: influenza sense 1

2

: any of several virus diseases that are something like a cold

flu-like

ˈflü-ˌlīk

adjective

Medical Definition

flu

noun

ˈflü 

1

: influenza

2

: any of several chiefly viral illnesses marked especially by respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms see intestinal flu

flu-like

-ˌlīk 

adjective

also flulike

flu-like symptoms