allergen

noun

al·​ler·​gen ˈa-lər-jən How to pronounce allergen (audio)
: a substance (such as pollen) that induces allergy
allergenic adjective
allergenicity noun

Examples of allergen in a Sentence

common allergens, such as pollen
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This postnatal vitamin includes soy, which is an allergen for some breastfed babies. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 June 2025 So, none of the packaging of the above lists milk among the allergens. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 June 2025 Then in the brand’s Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon was recalled due to an undeclared allergen. Moná Thomas, People.com, 23 June 2025 Look for pasta that is free of common allergens, such as milk, soy, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, eggs and peanuts. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for allergen

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Allergen,, blend of allerg- (in Allergie allergy) and -gen (in Antigen antigen)

Note: See note at allergy.

First Known Use

circa 1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of allergen was circa 1907

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Allergen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allergen. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

allergen

noun
al·​ler·​gen ˈal-ər-jən How to pronounce allergen (audio)
: a substance (as pollen) that causes allergy
allergenic adjective

Medical Definition

allergen

noun
al·​ler·​gen ˈal-ər-jən How to pronounce allergen (audio)
: a substance that induces allergy
inhaled allergens
a suspected food allergen

More from Merriam-Webster on allergen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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