bubonic plague
noun
: plague caused by a bacterium (Yersinia pestis) and characterized especially by the formation of buboes
Examples of bubonic plague in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In a new study about the potential origins of the Black Death, scientists suggested that one or more volcanic eruptions that occurred around 1345 may have allowed fleas infected with the bubonic plague to travel on ships transporting grain across the Black Sea.
—
Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025
While fleas, rats, and global trade played a major role, no single organism or action allowed the bubonic plague (Yersinia pestis) to wreak havoc during the 14th century.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 2025
That doesn’t sound like an outbreak of the highly transmittable bubonic plague.
—James Shapiro, The Atlantic, 1 Dec. 2025
As was true for most villages in Elizabethan England, eventually the bubonic plague comes calling.
—Nathan Smith, Time, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bubonic plague
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.
Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025
While fleas, rats, and global trade played a major role, no single organism or action allowed the bubonic plague (Yersinia pestis) to wreak havoc during the 14th century.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 2025
That doesn’t sound like an outbreak of the highly transmittable bubonic plague.
—James Shapiro, The Atlantic, 1 Dec. 2025
As was true for most villages in Elizabethan England, eventually the bubonic plague comes calling.
—Nathan Smith, Time, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bubonic plague
Cite this Entry
“Bubonic plague.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bubonic%20plague. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share