symptom

noun

symp·​tom ˈsim(p)-təm 

1

a

: subjective evidence of disease or physical disturbance

broadly : something that indicates the presence of bodily disorder

b

: an evident reaction by a plant to a pathogen

2

a

: something that indicates the existence of something else

symptoms of an inner turmoil

b

: a slight indication : trace

symptomless

ˈsim(p)-təm-ləs 

adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for symptom

sign, mark, token, note, symptom mean a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible.

sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.

encouraging signs for the economy

mark suggests something impressed on or inherently characteristic of a thing often in contrast to general outward appearance.

a mark of a good upbringing

token applies to something that serves as a proof of something intangible.

this gift is a token of our esteem

note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.

a note of irony in her writing

symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition.

rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

Examples of symptom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Because hormones play a role (that’s why the condition typically makes its debut after puberty and about half of people get their first symptoms between the ages of 10 and 21), your teen may experience monthly flare-ups before their period when hormone levels are fluctuating. —Ade Onibada, SELF, 12 Apr. 2024

The couple rushed to the hospital because Krissy was feeling back pain, which was a symptom the couple had been told by their doctor could be due to contractions or dehydration. —Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 11 Apr. 2024

More:Zinc is an important nutrient, but get it from food, not supplements, experts say Bruising can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions or bleeding disorders such as cirrhosis, von Willebrand disease, Cushing's syndrome, or hemophilia. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2024

Grief isn’t just emotional The five-stages theory doesn’t acknowledge the physical symptoms and anxiety that can accompany grief, Moffa points out. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 10 Apr. 2024

Stress also leads to a spike in cortisol, a hormone that can adversely impact the skin’s barrier function, resulting in moisture loss and exacerbating eczema symptoms. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 10 Apr. 2024

James didn’t play against the Timberwolves because of the flu-like symptoms. —Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 9 Apr. 2024

Measles develops seven to 21 days after exposure and early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, officials said. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Apr. 2024

The condition is characterized by unexplained symptoms that include migraines, fatigue, vertigo, anxiety, dizziness, memory lapses and cognitive impairment. —Nik Popli, TIME, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin symptomat-, symptoma, from Greek symptōmat-, symptōma happening, attribute, symptom, from sympiptein to happen, from syn- + piptein to fall — more at feather

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing symptom

• somatic symptom disorder
• MSG symptom complex

Kids Definition

symptom

noun

symp·​tom ˈsim(p)-təm 

1

: a change in a living thing that indicates the presence of a disease or other physical disorder

especially : one (as a headache) that can be felt or sensed only by the individual affected

2

: something that shows that something else exists : indication

symptomless

-ləs 

adjective

Medical Definition

symptom

noun

symp·​tom ˈsim(p)-təm 

: subjective evidence of disease or physical disturbance observed by the patient

headache is a symptom of many diseases

visual disturbances may be a symptom of retinal arteriosclerosis

broadly : something that indicates the presence of a physical disorder compare sign sense 2