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

Polyphenols for perimenopause More impressively, the polyphenols in black olives might help with the symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause. —Violeta Valdés, Vogue, 1 May 2025

But dementia creates symptoms and problems that are shared between two people. —Rebecca T Brown, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2025

The physical symptoms of anxiety, racing thoughts, tightness in the chest, and excess energy can be redirected into movement (exercise), mindfulness, or strategic thinking. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 1 May 2025

That said, the more severe the cause of stress is, the higher the likelihood of more severe symptoms. —Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

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

• MSG symptom complex
• somatic symptom disorder

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