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

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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

Others actually have allergies of their own and come to the café prepared with medicine to have fun, even if for just a bit. Tracy Maness, Houston Chronicle, "Check out El Gato Coffeehouse’s new cat cameras; adopt a cat, get a free camera," 2 Aug. 2019 Kira Yarmysh said Navalny, who did not have any allergies beforehand, was taken from the Moscow jail to a hospital in the morning, arriving with severe facial swelling and red rashes. Jim Heintz, chicagotribune.com, "Russian police crack down violently on Moscow protesters, arresting nearly 1,400 people," 28 July 2019 Dear Carolyn: My children have serious food allergies. Carolyn Hax, oregonlive.com, "Carolyn Hax: Mother has a right to her anger when grandparents call ‘bunk’ on childrens’ food allergies," 27 July 2019 Demand state commissions be more thorough; in the immediate aftermath of the fight, Dadashev’s manager, Egis Klimas, said doctors were trying to track down Dadashev’s wife to find out if Dadashev had any allergies or had any previous surgeries. Chris Mannix, SI.com, "Maxim Dadashev's Death a Heartbreaking Result of a Violent Sport," 24 July 2019 Make sacrifices for a greater good' Bialik likened her kids being vegan to people having any other food restrictions like being kosher or having food allergies. Rasha Ali, USA TODAY, "'Big Bang Theory' star Mayim Bialik shuts down common questions on raising vegan kids," 16 July 2019 It's been suggested that people who have allergies to chocolate are actually reacting to the roach limbs lurking inside the bars. Erin Davis And Katherine Dillinger, CNN, "Here's some fun (and not-so-fun) facts for International Chocolate Day," 7 July 2019 Bolstering this idea is the discovery that the skin microbiome on dogs and humans who suffer from allergies differs from their healthy counterparts. Daphne Miller, chicagotribune.com, "A new meaning for ‘sick as a dog’? Your pet’s health may tell you something about your own," 11 July 2019 The caramel corn also has the advantage of being nut-free so anyone with nut allergies won't have to miss out. Amber Sutton, al.com, "You can buy Golden Eagle caramel popcorn in grocery stores this month," 2 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.

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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

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More Definitions for allergy

allergy

noun

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

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

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