1
2
: any of several virus diseases marked especially by respiratory or intestinal symptoms
flu-like adjective

Examples of flu in a Sentence

He came down with a bad bout of the flu.
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 lunch had been scheduled for weeks, the official said, and it had been rescheduled because Bannon got the flu. Nbc News, NBC news, 20 June 2025 The machine and statistical models used during this study were able to use levels of airborne fungal spores to predict surges in COVID-19 and the flu with high accuracy. Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 20 June 2025 Hammond has written and edited explainers on a number of health and wellness topics, including racial disparities in HIV treatment, the metabolic benefits of cold exposure, how the flu shot works, and solutions for seasonal dermatology woes. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 18 June 2025 But the agenda also includes a vote for these types of vaccines, offering a stronger signal that the CDC may alter its recommendations for flu vaccines. ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for flu

Word History

Etymology

by shortening

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flu was in 1839

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flu. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

flu

noun
1
2
: any of several virus diseases that are something like a cold
flu-like
ˈflü-ˌlīk
adjective

Medical Definition

flu

noun
1
2
: any of several chiefly viral illnesses marked especially by respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms see intestinal flu
flu-like adjective
also flulike
flu-like symptoms

More from Merriam-Webster on flu

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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