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.
Pets must have an up-to-date rabies vaccination. Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026 Jean-Cedric Meeus, chief of global transport and logistics for UNICEF, said his agency is using a mix of land and air routes to send vaccines to Nigeria and Iran in order to get them there in time for the vaccination campaigns, but the costs have soared. ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026 Drops in vaccinations have already contributed to the rapid resurgence of measles outbreaks across the country. Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026 The animals underwent vaccinations, fecal testing and received flea prevention treatment as part of the intake process, according to Macomb County Animal Control staff. Eric Henderson, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026 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 8 Apr. 2026.

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

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