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

Measles is the canary in the coal mine for vaccination and public health, and at this moment, the canary is singing a doleful tune. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

The bat was captured and later tested positive for rabies, allowing doctors to begin the girl's post-exposure vaccination series quickly. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Deaths from influenza rose slightly, partly due to an unusually virulent strain circulating last year, although falling vaccination rates may also have contributed, The Wall Street Journal reported. — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 2 July 2026

Tarrant County’s overall vaccination rate masks wide variation in vaccination rates by campus. — Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026

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