vaccination

noun

vac·​ci·​na·​tion ˌvak-sə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act of vaccinating

2

: the scar left by vaccinating

Examples of vaccination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Kennedy’s track record points to vacillating between backing standard childhood vaccinations and making statements or overseeing cuts in funding that threaten to undermine this public health tool. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

The big picture: The childhood vaccination cuts are part of a Trump administration effort to claw back billions of dollars in federal public health grants stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. —Erin Alberty, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025

Roughly three out of 100 people who have received the two-dose vaccination may contract the virus when exposed, according to the CDC. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025

Besides preventing a painful rash, vaccination for shingles may have an important additional benefit: reducing the risk of developing dementia. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "inoculation with fluid from cowpox pustules," from vaccine "of cowpox" (in the phrases vaccine matter, vaccine virus) + -ation — more at vaccine

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing vaccination

• anti-vaccination

Rhymes for vaccination

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

vaccination

noun

vac·​ci·​na·​tion ˌvak-sə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act of vaccinating

2

: the scar left by vaccinating

Medical Definition

vaccination

noun

vac·​ci·​na·​tion ˌvak-sə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the introduction into humans or domestic animals of microorganisms that have previously been treated to make them harmless for the purpose of inducing the development of immunity

oral vaccination

vaccination against smallpox

vaccination for whooping cough

2

: the scar left by vaccinating