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
History of Allergies Women with a history of allergies—which includes eczema, food allergies and hay fever—are more likely to get it because their immune systems are more likely to respond to irritants by triggering an inflammatory response.
—
Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026
The outdoor tree allergens take a small break in June before grasses and weed allergies take over in summer and fall.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
The risk factors include a combination of genetic, environmental, microbial, and social factors that influence a person’s allergies.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 10 Feb. 2026
Mayo Clinic suggests a multivitamin might be helpful for children with developmental delays, chronic diseases, food allergies or a restrictive diet.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for allergy
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Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026
The outdoor tree allergens take a small break in June before grasses and weed allergies take over in summer and fall.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
The risk factors include a combination of genetic, environmental, microbial, and social factors that influence a person’s allergies.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 10 Feb. 2026
Mayo Clinic suggests a multivitamin might be helpful for children with developmental delays, chronic diseases, food allergies or a restrictive diet.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for allergy
Cite this Entry
“Allergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allergy. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
allergy
noun
al·ler·gy
ˈal-ər-jē 
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
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
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