allergen

noun

al·​ler·​gen ˈa-lər-jən How to pronounce allergen (audio)
: a substance (such as pollen) that induces allergy
allergenic adjective
allergenicity noun

Examples of allergen in a Sentence

common allergens, such as pollen
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The recall was issued because of a labeling error, as certain bottles may contain undeclared allergens, including peanut, sesame, soy and wheat, the company said. Melina Khan, USA Today, 3 May 2025 The idea is to desensitize an allergic person to a specific allergen, like pollen or cat dander. Sarah Klein, Time, 30 Apr. 2025 Keeping your windows closed during that time can lower the amount of allergens that are flowing into, and circulating around, your home. Renée Onque, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025 Based on this application, some people believe that consuming local honey can help expose you to allergens in your area that might trigger your specific allergic reaction. Daniel More, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for allergen

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Allergen,, blend of allerg- (in Allergie allergy) and -gen (in Antigen antigen)

Note: See note at allergy.

First Known Use

circa 1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of allergen was circa 1907

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Allergen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allergen. Accessed 12 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

allergen

noun
al·​ler·​gen ˈal-ər-jən How to pronounce allergen (audio)
: a substance (as pollen) that causes allergy
allergenic adjective

Medical Definition

allergen

noun
al·​ler·​gen ˈal-ər-jən How to pronounce allergen (audio)
: a substance that induces allergy
inhaled allergens
a suspected food allergen

More from Merriam-Webster on allergen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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