: a severe respiratory illness that is caused by the SARS-CoV-1 coronavirus, is transmitted especially by contact with infectious material (such as respiratory droplets or body fluids), and is characterized by fever, headache, body aches, a dry cough, hypoxia, and usually pneumonia
called also severe acute respiratory syndrome
Examples of SARS in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
More recent studies show that infection by the virus that causes COVID, SARS-CoV-2, can result in heightened health risks months to more than a year later.
—
Stephanie Armour, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
More recent studies show that infection by the virus that causes COVID, SARS-CoV-2, can result in heightened health risks months to more than a year later.
—Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
On Wednesday, San Diego County Public Health Services launched its own wastewater infectious disease surveillance system, publishing weekly data on SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, with plans to expand to M-pox, hepatitis A and measles in the near future.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
The far less transmissible coronaviruses SARS and MERS killed 15 and 35 percent, respectively.
—Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
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Stephanie Armour, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
More recent studies show that infection by the virus that causes COVID, SARS-CoV-2, can result in heightened health risks months to more than a year later.
—Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
On Wednesday, San Diego County Public Health Services launched its own wastewater infectious disease surveillance system, publishing weekly data on SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, with plans to expand to M-pox, hepatitis A and measles in the near future.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
The far less transmissible coronaviruses SARS and MERS killed 15 and 35 percent, respectively.
—Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for SARS
Cite this Entry
“SARS.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/SARS. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
SARS
noun
: a severe respiratory illness that is caused by a coronavirus, is transmitted especially by contact with infectious material (as respiratory droplets or body fluids), and is characterized by fever, headache, body aches, a dry cough, shortness of breath, and usually pneumonia
Etymology
severe acute respiratory syndrome
Medical Definition
SARS
noun
: a severe respiratory illness that is transmitted especially by contact with infectious material (such as respiratory droplets or body fluids), is caused by the SARS-CoV-1 coronavirus, and is characterized by fever, headache, body aches, a dry cough, hypoxia, and usually pneumonia
called also severe acute respiratory syndrome
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