allergy

noun

al·​ler·​gy ˈa-lər-jē How to pronounce allergy (audio)
plural allergies
1
: altered bodily reactivity (such as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure
a bee venom allergy so severe that a second sting may be fatal
2
: exaggerated or pathological immunological reaction (as by sneezing, difficult breathing, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual
3
: medical practice concerned with allergies
4
: a feeling of antipathy or aversion

Examples of allergy in a Sentence

Many people have some form of allergy. independent-minded people who seem to have an allergy to any control from the government
Recent Examples on the Web Here's everything to know about allergy season 2024 in metro Phoenix. Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 18 Mar. 2024 Chronic coughing can be due to allergies or air pollutants. Claire Gillespie, Health, 17 Mar. 2024 To nip seasonal allergies in the bud, don’t miss the double discounts on this air purifier that can filter dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke from the air. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2024 But Take Note This formula contains soy, so is not a safe option for infants with a soy allergy. Lainey Younkin, Ms, Rd, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024 Walmart cashews recalled due to allergy risk Walmart cashews recalled due to allergy risk 00:25 Cashews sold by Walmart in 30 states and on their website have been recalled due to unknown milk and coconut allergens, according to a company statement posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Alex Sundby, Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2024 Our skin barrier also prevents infectious diseases and allergies by blocking external substances such as pathogens, allergens and chemicals from invading the body. Sabrina Sholts, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024 In the process of trying to improve his health overall, he's also taken a closer look at things like allergies, partnering with Allegra Airways in the process to help allergy sufferers find areas with less pollen and air pollution. David Oliver, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024 His daughter’s husband has severe allergies, including being allergic to dogs. Brad Moon, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'allergy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Allergie "heightened reaction to an antigen to which an individual has been previously exposed," from all- all- + -ergie, in Energie energy, or directly from its source, Greek -ergeia, taken to mean "action, response"

Note: The term was introduced, along with allergisch allergic and Allergen allergen, by the German physician Clemens Peter Freiherr von Pirquet (1874-1929) in "Allergie," Münchener medizinische Wochenschrift, 53. Jahrgang, Nr. 30 (July 24, 1906), pp. 1457-58.

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of allergy was in 1908

Dictionary Entries Near allergy

Cite this Entry

“Allergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allergy. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

allergy

noun
al·​ler·​gy ˈal-ər-jē How to pronounce allergy (audio)
plural allergies
1
: exaggerated or abnormal reaction (as by sneezing, itching, or rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that do not have such a strong effect on most people
2
: a feeling of dislike

Medical Definition

allergy

noun
al·​ler·​gy ˈal-ər-jē How to pronounce allergy (audio)
plural allergies
1
: altered bodily reactivity (as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure
his bee-venom allergy may render a second sting fatal
2
: exaggerated or pathological reaction (as by sneezing, respiratory embarrassment, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual
3
: medical practice concerned with allergies

More from Merriam-Webster on allergy

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