appendicitis

noun

ap·​pen·​di·​ci·​tis ə-ˌpen-də-ˈsī-təs How to pronounce appendicitis (audio)
: inflammation of the vermiform appendix

Examples of appendicitis in a Sentence

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.
Embiid had emergency surgery following a bout with appendicitis on April 9. Gary Bedore may 4, Kansas City Star, 4 May 2026 Embiid returned from emergency appendicitis surgery in Game 4 against the Celtics and completely changed the series. Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 3 May 2026 While Embiid continues to work his way back from appendicitis, the 76ers are hoping to hang in the series long enough for Embiid to come back. Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026 Embiid underwent emergency surgery for appendicitis last week, and the Sixers have yet to announce a timeline for his return. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 18 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for appendicitis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin appendic-, appendix "vermiform appendix" + -itis

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of appendicitis was in 1886

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Appendicitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appendicitis. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

appendicitis

noun
ap·​pen·​di·​ci·​tis ə-ˌpen-də-ˈsīt-əs How to pronounce appendicitis (audio)
: inflammation of the appendix

Medical Definition

appendicitis

noun
ap·​pen·​di·​ci·​tis ə-ˌpen-də-ˈsīt-əs How to pronounce appendicitis (audio)
: inflammation of the vermiform appendix

called also epityphlitis

More from Merriam-Webster on appendicitis

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster