superbug
noun
su·per·bug
ˈsü-pər-ˌbəg 
: a pathogenic microorganism and especially a bacterium that has developed resistance to the medications normally used against it
Examples of superbug in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
By infecting and replicating inside a host bacterium, phages could kill pathogens and form the basis of new drugs to treat antibiotic-resistant or superbugs.
—
Issy Ronald, CNN, 9 Oct. 2024
Experts say the overuse of antibiotics—among both humans and livestock—has contributed to the problem, along with environmental factors that have allowed superbugs to thrive.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Sep. 2024
According to a new study published on The Lancet on Monday, Sept. 16, researchers have concluded that if measures are not taken, a superbug could be powerful enough to kill almost 2 million people every year by 2050.
—Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 18 Sep. 2024
It's billed as the first in-depth analysis of the global health impacts of antimicrobial resistance and reinforces earlier findings that superbugs can be more fatal than diseases like HIV/AIDS.
—Tina Reed, Axios, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for superbug 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Issy Ronald, CNN, 9 Oct. 2024
Experts say the overuse of antibiotics—among both humans and livestock—has contributed to the problem, along with environmental factors that have allowed superbugs to thrive.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Sep. 2024
According to a new study published on The Lancet on Monday, Sept. 16, researchers have concluded that if measures are not taken, a superbug could be powerful enough to kill almost 2 million people every year by 2050.
—Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 18 Sep. 2024
It's billed as the first in-depth analysis of the global health impacts of antimicrobial resistance and reinforces earlier findings that superbugs can be more fatal than diseases like HIV/AIDS.
—Tina Reed, Axios, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for superbug
Dictionary Entries Near superbug
Cite this Entry
“Superbug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superbug. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
superbug
noun
su·per·bug
ˈsü-pər-ˌbəg
: a pathogenic microorganism and especially a bacterium that has developed resistance to the medications normally used against it
The rise of superbugs that can survive multiple antibiotics—such as MRSA, the notorious "flesh-eating bacterium"—has turned once-trivial infections into persistent problems.—Valerie Ross, Discover
Valerie Ross, DiscoverLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share