1
: any of several diseases characterized by skin lesions
especially
: systemic lupus erythematosus sense 2
2
Lupus astronomy
: a southern constellation that is visible between the constellations of Scorpius and Centaurus and that is represented by the figure of a wolf
Above Lupus lies Scorpius, one of the few constellations whose star pattern actually suggests the object that it is named for. In the myths, the scorpion was assigned by Artemis, the hunting goddess, to kill Orion, far across the sky.—
Don Moser
Don MoserExamples of lupus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Long-term exposure to harmful levels of air pollution can increase the risk of developing lupus and other autoimmune disorders, research found.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 10 Dec. 2024
Women mount a stronger response to viruses yet are more prone to autoimmune diseases, such as lupus.
—Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 4 Sep. 2024
In recent years Broadus has opened up about her health, including her experience living with the autoimmune disease lupus, which she was diagnosed with at 6 years old.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024
The Choc Factory cosmetics founder has faced significant physical and mental health challenges over the years, after she was diagnosed with lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease, at the age of six.
—Toria Sheffield, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lupus 
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.
Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 10 Dec. 2024
Women mount a stronger response to viruses yet are more prone to autoimmune diseases, such as lupus.
—Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 4 Sep. 2024
In recent years Broadus has opened up about her health, including her experience living with the autoimmune disease lupus, which she was diagnosed with at 6 years old.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024
The Choc Factory cosmetics founder has faced significant physical and mental health challenges over the years, after she was diagnosed with lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease, at the age of six.
—Toria Sheffield, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lupus
Dictionary Entries Near lupus
Cite this Entry
“Lupus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lupus. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
lupus
noun
lu·pus
ˈlü-pəs 
: any of several diseases (as lupus vulgaris or systemic lupus erythematosus) characterized by skin lesions
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share