vaccination

noun

vac·​ci·​na·​tion ˌvak-sə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce vaccination (audio)
1
: the act of vaccinating
2
: the scar left by vaccinating

Examples of vaccination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Reimbursements for up to two vaccinations given at the same time as sterilization are $15 each for a total of $30. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025 He's got some basic training under his belt, shows promise with house training, and is up to date on all vaccinations, including rabies. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025 Overall, the rate of death seven days after mRNA vaccinations has been lower than the background rates among the general population for the most common causes of death — such as heart disease, cancer and stroke. Michael A. Hiltzik, Mercury News, 28 June 2025 Most states are below the 95% vaccination threshold for kindergartners — the level needed to protect communities against measles outbreaks. Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for vaccination

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of vaccination was in 1891

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vaccination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vaccination. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

vaccination

noun
vac·​ci·​na·​tion ˌvak-sə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce vaccination (audio)
1
: the act of vaccinating
2
: the scar left by vaccinating

Medical Definition

vaccination

noun
vac·​ci·​na·​tion ˌvak-sə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce vaccination (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on vaccination

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