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
Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Dec. 2025
All respiratory illnesses including flu, COVID-19 and RSV made up nearly 9% of emergency visits, the department said.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025
The others — for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rotavirus, flu and chickenpox — do not.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 26 Dec. 2025
Denmark does not recommend vaccinating children for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and chicken pox, among other common pathogens.
—Lena H. Sun, Arkansas Online, 21 Dec. 2025
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Abbreviation or noun
Schaffner says getting vaccinated against it and two other powerhouse viruses, COVID-19 and RSV, is your best chance at reducing severe illness and time in the emergency department.
—Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Dec. 2025
All respiratory illnesses including flu, COVID-19 and RSV made up nearly 9% of emergency visits, the department said.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025
The others — for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rotavirus, flu and chickenpox — do not.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 26 Dec. 2025
Denmark does not recommend vaccinating children for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and chicken pox, among other common pathogens.
—Lena H. Sun, Arkansas Online, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for RSV
Cite this Entry
“RSV.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/RSV. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
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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