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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

In recent years, membership at many chapters has decreased — a symptom of a larger trend among social organizations. —Scott Cacciola, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2023

At three months, almost half of those who tested positive had at least one symptom, either a persistent or new one, while a quarter of those who tested negative did, with fatigue being similar. —Ed Stannard, Hartford Courant, 1 Feb. 2023

The primary symptom of SAD is sadness, which distinguishes it from other depression-like ailments. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2022

Out-rebounded: Another symptom of San Antonio outplaying Miami in the paint was the result on the boards. —Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 10 Dec. 2022

The meaninglessness associated with inefficacy, the third symptom of burnout, is trickier to tackle. —Dianna Mazzone, Allure, 19 Aug. 2022

The virtual visits with a healthcare provider stopped after patients met CDC criteria for discontinuation of home isolation (10 days after a positive test or first symptom, and no fever for 24 hours). —Ashley Abramson, Health.com, 13 Apr. 2022

The first symptom of the syndrome is a lingering fever. —Mark Johnson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2022

Speed is crucial in delivering antibody therapy, which should start as soon as possible after a positive test result and within 10 days of symptom onset. —Caroline Behr And Michael L. Barnett, STAT, 8 Feb. 2022

See More

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

• 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