pertussis

noun

per·​tus·​sis pər-ˈtə-səs How to pronounce pertussis (audio)

Examples of pertussis 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.
Across the state, cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, are up more than 20 times year over year, according to data from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2025 The pace accelerated when pertussis vaccine was combined with diphtheria toxoid and tetanus toxoid to create the DPT (diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis) vaccine in 1948. Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024 Treating pertussis early is the best way to minimize the severity of illness. Sabrina Malhi The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 26 Dec. 2024 With so many common sense ways to bring down the rate of pertussis infections, there’s no excuse for any parent to have to hear that heartbreaking cough. Lisa Jarvis, The Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for pertussis 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin per- thoroughly + tussis cough

First Known Use

circa 1772, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pertussis was circa 1772

Dictionary Entries Near pertussis

Cite this Entry

“Pertussis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pertussis. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

pertussis

noun
per·​tus·​sis pər-ˈtəs-əs How to pronounce pertussis (audio)

Medical Definition

pertussis

noun
per·​tus·​sis pər-ˈtəs-əs How to pronounce pertussis (audio)

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