active immunity

noun

: usually long-lasting immunity that is acquired through production of antibodies within the organism in response to the presence of antigens compare passive immunity

Examples of active immunity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Additionally, active immunity is long-lasting but takes a few weeks to develop; passive immunity is immediate but temporary. Leah Groth, Health, 17 Nov. 2023 Your active immunity is how your immune system responds to germs by producing its own antibodies. Leah Groth, Health, 17 Nov. 2023 So, whereas a vaccine offers the advantage of long-term, active immunity, an antiserum provides immunity that is short-lived but immediately effective. David Warmflash, Discover Magazine, 17 July 2014 But active immunity, achieved with mRNA, means the body can remember how to create the response on its own. Hope Reese, Discover Magazine, 23 Dec. 2021 In active immunity, antibodies are generated through exposure to a pathogen or a vaccine. Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2020 While active immunity occurs when an individual produces antibodies to a disease through his or her own immune system, passive immunity is provided when a person is given antibodies. Leah Groth, Health.com, 15 Apr. 2020 But passive immunity doesn't last as long as active immunity, and loses effectiveness within a few weeks or months, per the CDC. Leah Groth, Health.com, 15 Apr. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'active immunity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of active immunity was in 1895

Dictionary Entries Near active immunity

Cite this Entry

“Active immunity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/active%20immunity. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

active immunity

noun
: immunity produced by the individual when exposed to an antigen compare passive immunity

Medical Definition

active immunity

noun
: usually long-lasting immunity that is acquired through production of antibodies within the organism in response to the presence of antigens compare acquired immunity, innate immunity, passive immunity
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!