: a severe respiratory illness that is caused by the SARS-CoV-1 coronavirus, is transmitted especially by contact with infectious material (such as respiratory droplets or body fluids), and is characterized by fever, headache, body aches, a dry cough, hypoxia, and usually pneumonia
called also severe acute respiratory syndrome
Examples of SARS in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This multi-antibody approach could also be crucial for combating other rapidly evolving viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2, offering a more durable defense against viral evolution.
—
William A. Haseltine,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
The trial focused on a universal Sarbeco coronavirus vaccine designed to target a wide range of related viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and SARS.
—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
5 June 2026
The year before that, SARS had emerged, ultimately infecting over 8,000 people in nearly 30 countries.
—
Neil Vora,
Time,
22 May 2026
In this century, there have been notable outbreaks of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), the H1N1 flu virus (swine flu), the Zika virus, mpox and measles.
—
Ava Berger,
NPR,
21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for SARS
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.
William A. Haseltine,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
The trial focused on a universal Sarbeco coronavirus vaccine designed to target a wide range of related viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and SARS.
—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
5 June 2026
The year before that, SARS had emerged, ultimately infecting over 8,000 people in nearly 30 countries.
—
Neil Vora,
Time,
22 May 2026
In this century, there have been notable outbreaks of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), the H1N1 flu virus (swine flu), the Zika virus, mpox and measles.
—
Ava Berger,
NPR,
21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for SARS
Cite this Entry
“SARS.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/SARS. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
SARS
noun
: a severe respiratory illness that is caused by a coronavirus, is transmitted especially by contact with infectious material (as respiratory droplets or body fluids), and is characterized by fever, headache, body aches, a dry cough, shortness of breath, and usually pneumonia
Etymology
severe acute respiratory syndrome
Medical Definition
SARS
noun
: a severe respiratory illness that is transmitted especially by contact with infectious material (such as respiratory droplets or body fluids), is caused by the SARS-CoV-1 coronavirus, and is characterized by fever, headache, body aches, a dry cough, hypoxia, and usually pneumonia
called also severe acute respiratory syndrome
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
