murrain

noun

mur·​rain ˈmər-ən How to pronounce murrain (audio)
ˈmə-rən
: a pestilence or plague especially affecting domestic animals

Examples of murrain in a Sentence

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.
Otherwise nature is outraged, floods will again sweep the land and murrains strike our cattle. Dan Bilefsky, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2016

Word History

Etymology

Middle English moreyne, from Anglo-French morine, from morir to die, from Latin mori — more at murder

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of murrain was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near murrain

Cite this Entry

“Murrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/murrain. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

murrain

noun
mur·​rain ˈmər-ən How to pronounce murrain (audio)
ˈmə-rən
: a disease that spreads among domestic animals or plants

More from Merriam-Webster on murrain

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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