meningitis

noun

men·​in·​gi·​tis ˌme-nən-ˈjī-təs 

plural meningitides ˌme-nən-ˈji-tə-ˌdēz 

: inflammation of the meninges and especially of the pia mater and arachnoid

specifically : a disease marked by inflammation of the meninges that is either a relatively mild illness caused by a virus (such as various Coxsackieviruses) or a more severe usually life-threatening illness caused by a bacterium (especially the meningococcus, Neisseria meningitides, or the serotype designated B of Haemophilus influenzae)

Note: Meningitis is often marked by fever, headache, vomiting, malaise, and stiff neck, and if left untreated in bacterial forms, may progress to confusion, stupor, convulsions, coma, and death.

meningitic

ˌme-nən-ˈji-tik 

adjective

Examples of meningitis in a Sentence

She was diagnosed with spinal meningitis.

Recent Examples on the Web

Listeria is a dangerous bacterium that can cause severe illness, such as meningitis or sepsis, particularly in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. —Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

Abbott, one of the world’s biggest formula producers, had issued a nationwide recall after two children who consumed its products died of Cronobacter, a bacterial infection that can lead to complications such as meningitis. —Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 18 Nov. 2025

Removing aluminum, or even issuing a warning about its use, would affect some of the most important childhood shots, including those for DTaP, hepatitis A and B, HPV, pneumococcal and meningitis. —Elvia Limon, The Hill, 16 Nov. 2025

But at-risk people will have more serious symptoms, which may include sepsis and meningitis. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing meningitis

• cerebrospinal meningitis

Rhymes for meningitis

• adenitis
• arteritis
• blepharitis
• cervicitis
• cholangitis
• choroiditis
• decubitus
• dermatitis
• fasciitis
• gingivitis
• hepatitis
• iritis

Kids Definition

meningitis

noun

men·​in·​gi·​tis ˌmen-ən-ˈjīt-əs 

: a disease in which a membrane of the brain or spinal cord becomes inflamed

Medical Definition

meningitis

noun

men·​in·​gi·​tis ˌmen-ən-ˈjīt-əs 

plural meningitides -ˈjit-ə-ˌdēz 

: inflammation of the meninges and especially of the pia mater and the arachnoid

specifically : a disease marked by inflammation of the meninges that is either a relatively mild illness caused by a virus (such as various Coxsackieviruses) or a more severe usually life-threatening illness caused by a bacterium (especially the meningococcus, Neisseria meningitidis, or the serotype designated B of Haemophilus influenzae)

Note: Meningitis is often marked by fever, headache, vomiting, malaise, and stiff neck, and if left untreated in bacterial forms, may progress to confusion, stupor, convulsions, coma, and death.