vaccination

noun

vac·​ci·​na·​tion ˌvak-sə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act of vaccinating

2

: the scar left by vaccinating

Examples of vaccination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the past few years, however, vaccination rates have decreased, and the number of measles cases has soared. —Chantelle Lee, Time, 10 July 2025

In communities and schools were vaccination rates are well below 90%, those communities are quite vulnerable to outbreaks. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 10 July 2025

This drop in trust probably will lead to further drops in vaccination rates. —Dave Wessner, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

But vaccinations have declined, resulting in a growing number of states no longer reporting rates consistent with herd immunity, and infections have returned. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 9 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "inoculation with fluid from cowpox pustules," from vaccine "of cowpox" (in the phrases vaccine matter, vaccine virus) + -ation — more at vaccine

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing vaccination

• anti-vaccination

Rhymes for vaccination

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

vaccination

noun

vac·​ci·​na·​tion ˌvak-sə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act of vaccinating

2

: the scar left by vaccinating

Medical Definition

vaccination

noun

vac·​ci·​na·​tion ˌvak-sə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the introduction into humans or domestic animals of microorganisms that have previously been treated to make them harmless for the purpose of inducing the development of immunity

oral vaccination

vaccination against smallpox

vaccination for whooping cough

2

: the scar left by vaccinating