vertigo

noun

ver·​ti·​go ˈvər-ti-ˌgō 

plural vertigoes or vertigos

1

a

: a sensation of motion in which the individual or the individual's surroundings seem to whirl dizzily

b

: a dizzy confused state of mind

2

: disordered vertiginous movement as a symptom of disease in lower animals

also : a disease (such as gid) causing this

Examples of vertigo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Kimberly Ward, 56, has primary progressive multiple sclerosis, which affects her mobility and her partner, Kimberly Perssonatti, 49, has relapsing remitting MS that affects her cognitively regarding recall and comes with visual issues, vertigo and temperature regulation. —Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026

He was treated for vertigo, migraines, loss of vision and trouble with memory and concentration. —Scott Pelley, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026

With vertigo-like symptoms behind him, Nolan McLean is ready to report to the World Baseball Classic. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2026

Alex Bowman will miss Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race, with Hendrick Motorsports announcing Thursday the driver is out after being diagnosed with vertigo. —Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin vertigin-, vertigo, from vertere to turn

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing vertigo

• benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
• benign positional vertigo

Rhymes for vertigo

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

Kids Definition

vertigo

noun

ver·​ti·​go ˈvərt-i-ˌgō 

plural vertigoes or vertigos

1

: a sensation in which a person or a person's surroundings seem to whirl dizzily

2

: a confused or bewildered state of mind

Medical Definition

vertigo

noun

ver·​ti·​go ˈvərt-i-ˌgō 

plural vertigoes or vertigos

1

: a sensation of motion which is associated with various disorders (as of the inner ear) and in which the individual or the individual's surroundings seem to whirl dizzily see objective vertigo, subjective vertigo compare dizziness

2

: disordered vertiginous movement as a symptom of disease in lower animals

also : a disease (as gid) causing this