contusion

noun

con·​tu·​sion kən-ˈtü-zhən How to pronounce contusion (audio)
-ˈtyü-
: injury to tissue usually without laceration : bruise sense 1a
contuse
kən-ˈtüz How to pronounce contusion (audio)
-ˈtyüz
transitive verb

Examples of contusion in a Sentence

He suffered multiple contusions of the leg. suffered multiple contusions as a result of a car accident
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.
Kyle Harrison, who is currently replacing Verlander in the rotation, is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday after being diagnosed with a left elbow contusion due to being struck by a ground ball in his last start. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 6 June 2025 Ankle tendinitis earlier this year delayed his rehab, and now his elbow contusion could set him back again. Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 With his Knicks’ season on the line, the All-Star center was in the starting lineup for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden after being listed as questionable with a left knee contusion. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 29 May 2025 An autopsy showed Jose had contusions to his abdomen, head, face, jaw/neck, chest, arm, back and legs, along with a perforated bowel and hemorrhages to his liver and pancreas, according to the complaint. Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for contusion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English conteschown, from Latin contusion-, contusio, from contundere to pound, bruise, from com- + tundere to beat; akin to Goth stautan to strike, Sanskrit tudati he pushes

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contusion was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contusion. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

contusion

noun
con·​tus·​ion
kən-ˈt(y)ü-zhən
: an injury to tissue that usually does not break the skin : bruise
contuse
-ˈt(y)üz
verb

Medical Definition

contusion

noun
con·​tu·​sion kən-ˈt(y)ü-zhən How to pronounce contusion (audio)
: injury to tissue usually without laceration : bruise sense 1
contuse transitive verb
contused; contusing

More from Merriam-Webster on contusion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!