vagus nerve

noun

va·​gus nerve ˈvā-gəs- 

: either of the 10th pair of cranial nerves that arise from the medulla oblongata and supply chiefly the viscera especially with autonomic sensory and motor fibers

called also vagus

Examples of vagus nerve in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When that’s the case, turn instead to non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation; these small handheld devices can provide stress relief that balance our nervous systems before bed. —Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 18 Jan. 2026

How about my vagus nerve stimulator? —Jonathan Thompson, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026

Singing may also rebalance autonomic nervous system activity by stimulating the vagus nerve and improving the body’s ability to respond to environmental stresses. —Elinor Harrison, The Conversation, 2 Dec. 2025

Deep, diaphragmatic breathing, like the kind required for scuba diving, can also activate the vagus nerve, which helps minimize stress, according to an article from the Yale School of Medicine. —Stephanie Vermillion, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin vagus nervus, literally, "wandering nerve,"; so called from its multiplicity of connecting points in the neck, thorax, and abdomen — more at vague

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for vagus nerve

• conserve
• deserve
• manoeuvre
• observe
• preserve
• reserve
• subserve
• curve
• mirv
• serve
• swerve
• verve

Medical Definition

vagus nerve

noun

: either of the tenth pair of cranial nerves that arise from the medulla and supply chiefly the viscera especially with autonomic sensory and motor fibers

called also pneumogastric nerve, tenth cranial nerve, vagus