1
2
: any of several virus diseases marked especially by respiratory or intestinal symptoms
Examples of flu in a Sentence
He came down with a bad bout of the flu.
Recent Examples on the Web
Early signs can mimic a severe flu, including fevers, chills, a productive cough, and chest or back pain in cases where the lung is infected.
—
Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
According to the same analysis, 16 percent may skip their flu shots simply to avoid the stress of an injection.
—Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026
But the series was never completed due to the Spanish flu, which eventually claimed the life of star Canadiens defenseman Joe Hall and forced the cancellation of the 1919 Cup Final, the only season in league history that the trophy hasn’t been awarded.
—Sean Gentille, New York Times, 21 May 2026
One doctor pointed to the drop showing a return to normal after a seasonal flu spike, with little change compared to the prior year.
—Jessica Bartlett — Boston Globe, STAT, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for flu
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Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
According to the same analysis, 16 percent may skip their flu shots simply to avoid the stress of an injection.
—Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026
But the series was never completed due to the Spanish flu, which eventually claimed the life of star Canadiens defenseman Joe Hall and forced the cancellation of the 1919 Cup Final, the only season in league history that the trophy hasn’t been awarded.
—Sean Gentille, New York Times, 21 May 2026
One doctor pointed to the drop showing a return to normal after a seasonal flu spike, with little change compared to the prior year.
—Jessica Bartlett — Boston Globe, STAT, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for flu
Cite this Entry
“Flu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flu. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
flu
noun2
: any of several virus diseases that are something like a cold
flu-like
adjective
ˈflü-ˌlīk
Medical Definition
flu
noun1
2
: any of several chiefly viral illnesses marked especially by respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms see intestinal flu
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