Logo
dictionary thesaurus

allergy

noun
al·​ler·​gy | \ ˈa-lər-jē How to pronounce allergy (audio) \
plural allergies

Definition of allergy

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
Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about allergy

Keep scrolling for more

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

 Skip to main content Protect your ears: A Missouri woman who attributed the discomfort in her ears to an allergy shot found a venomous spider in her ear canal. — Joshua Bote, USA TODAY, "Woman finds venomous brown recluse spider in her ear after complaining of earache," 23 Aug. 2019 Our forest fire seasons are prolonged, spilling horrible smoke into the air; our pollen seasons are longer, affecting allergy sufferers. — Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, "Letter: Kudos to California for fighting for cleaner air," 20 Aug. 2019 This spring, for the first time in years, Cindy McKeever of Bel Air didn’t take her normal over-the-counter allergy medications. — Kathi Santora, baltimoresun.com, "Bel Air spa’s salt therapy sessions praised for therapeutic and relaxation benefits," 19 Aug. 2019 The items included allergy medication, razors, electric toothbrushes and tools in their original packaging. — Washington Post, "FBI: Delivery drivers involved in Amazon theft ring," 2 Aug. 2019 The items included allergy medication, razors, electric toothbrushes and tools in their original packaging. — NBC News, "Amazon drivers part of $10 million theft ring, FBI says," 1 Aug. 2019 The researchers analyzed prescription information from 2009 to 2013, focusing on antacids and allergy medications. — Jennifer Couzin-frankel, Science | AAAS, "Can antacids boost allergy risk?," 30 July 2019 These treatments are the answer for millions of allergy sufferers in the United States. — Laura Garcia, ExpressNews.com, "San Antonio-based company shakes up allergy industry," 5 July 2019 Rising temperatures and increasing atmospheric carbon-dioxide concentrations are intensifying pollen seasons, much to the chagrin of allergy sufferers. — The Economist, "Alaska’s changing climate," 4 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'allergy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of allergy

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for allergy

German Allergie, from all- + Greek ergon work — more at work

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for allergy

allergy

noun
How to pronounce allergy (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of allergy

: a medical condition that causes someone to become sick after eating, touching, or breathing something that is harmless to most people

See the full definition for allergy in the English Language Learners Dictionary

allergy

noun
al·​ler·​gy | \ ˈa-lər-jē How to pronounce allergy (audio) \
plural allergies

Kids Definition of allergy

: a condition in which a person is made sick by something that is harmless to most people

allergy

noun
al·​ler·​gy | \ ˈal-ər-jē How to pronounce allergy (audio) \
plural allergies

Medical Definition of allergy

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

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

tantalize

play

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!