allergy

noun

al·​ler·​gy ˈa-lər-jē How to pronounce allergy (audio)
plural allergies
1
: altered bodily reactivity (such as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure
a bee venom allergy so severe that a second sting may be fatal
2
: exaggerated or pathological immunological reaction (as by sneezing, difficult breathing, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual
3
: medical practice concerned with allergies
4
: a feeling of antipathy or aversion

Examples of allergy in a Sentence

Many people have some form of allergy. independent-minded people who seem to have an allergy to any control from the government
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
As a highly ambitious witch with an allergy to water, Elphaba exudes attributes of the Fire sign Aries. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 26 Oct. 2024 Warmer falls also contribute to extended allergy and wildfire seasons. Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 25 Oct. 2024 People with oral allergy syndrome (OAS) may develop a strawberry tongue after eating raw fruits or vegetables pollinated by grasses, birch trees, or ragweed. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 24 Oct. 2024 Food intolerances are different from food allergies. Robert Burakoff, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for allergy 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Allergie "heightened reaction to an antigen to which an individual has been previously exposed," from all- all- + -ergie, in Energie energy, or directly from its source, Greek -ergeia, taken to mean "action, response"

Note: The term was introduced, along with allergisch allergic and Allergen allergen, by the German physician Clemens Peter Freiherr von Pirquet (1874-1929) in "Allergie," Münchener medizinische Wochenschrift, 53. Jahrgang, Nr. 30 (July 24, 1906), pp. 1457-58.

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of allergy was in 1908

Dictionary Entries Near allergy

Cite this Entry

“Allergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allergy. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

allergy

noun
al·​ler·​gy ˈal-ər-jē How to pronounce allergy (audio)
plural allergies
1
: exaggerated or abnormal reaction (as by sneezing, itching, or rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that do not have such a strong effect on most people
2
: a feeling of dislike

Medical Definition

allergy

noun
al·​ler·​gy ˈal-ər-jē How to pronounce allergy (audio)
plural allergies
1
: altered bodily reactivity (as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure
his bee-venom allergy may render a second sting fatal
2
: exaggerated or pathological reaction (as by sneezing, respiratory embarrassment, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual
3
: medical practice concerned with allergies

More from Merriam-Webster on allergy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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