RSV
1 of 2abbreviation or noun
plural RSVs
: respiratory syncytial virus
Like many viruses, RSV is spread through contact with an infected person or contaminated objects.—
Nancy Snyderman
Nancy SnydermanRSV, a common respiratory illness that can cause severe breathing problems for babies, has been spreading around the region and the country, and doctors are cautioning about the risks to young children.—Josette Keelor
Josette KeelorRSVs typically emerge in late fall and remain until early spring. However, signs of RSV outbreak began in the middle of April before exponentially increasing by early May.—Winston Henvey
Winston HenveyExamples of RSV in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
Ten jurisdictions — including Florida, Hawaii and Oregon — have year-round RSV seasons or epidemiological data that does not support the need to extend the immunization period.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2026
The change dropped recommendations that all babies should be protected against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, RSV, dengue and two types of bacterial meningitis.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026
Some examples of subunit vaccines include those that protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pneumococcal infections, whooping cough, hepatitis B, tetanus and human papillomavirus (HPV).
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
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Abbreviation or noun
The legislation mandates that childcare centers provide parents with information about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) — a common respiratory infection that can be especially dangerous for children with underlying conditions like sickle cell disease.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
Ten jurisdictions — including Florida, Hawaii and Oregon — have year-round RSV seasons or epidemiological data that does not support the need to extend the immunization period.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2026
The change dropped recommendations that all babies should be protected against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, RSV, dengue and two types of bacterial meningitis.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026
Some examples of subunit vaccines include those that protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pneumococcal infections, whooping cough, hepatitis B, tetanus and human papillomavirus (HPV).
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for RSV
Cite this Entry
“RSV.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/RSV. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
RSV
1 of 2 abbreviation or noun
: respiratory syncytial virus
Long considered primarily a pathogen of young children, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been recognized as a cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections in adults.—Harvey B. Simon, Science & Medicine
Harvey B. Simon, Science & MedicineHowever, upper respiratory tract infections caused by RSV tend to last longer than those caused by other common respiratory agents …—Caroline Breese, The New England Journal of Medicine
Caroline Breese, The New England Journal of MedicineRSV
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