diphtheria
noun
diph·the·ria
dif-ˈthir-ē-ə 
nonstandard
dip-
: an acute febrile contagious disease typically marked by the formation of a false membrane especially in the throat and caused by a gram-positive bacterium (Corynebacterium diphtheriae) that produces a toxin causing inflammation of the heart and nervous system
Examples of diphtheria in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As a small rural settlement is swiftly and ruthlessly stripped bare by the twin plagues of a diphtheria epidemic and spreading wildfires, the film eventually descends into a near-literal hellscape, though even when pandemonium takes over on screen, Van Dusen’s formal control never wavers.
—
Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
According to a check made here today, reports that Balto — leader of Gunnar Kaasen’s team of Siberian dogs, which made a trip during a blinding blizzard in the last lap of the relay race with diphtheria antitoxin — is dead, are untrue.
—Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Legislative action is required to repeal the vaccine mandates for polio, diphtheria (a bacterial infection), rubeola (measles), rubella (a viral infection, also called German measles), pertussis (whooping cough), mumps and tetanus.
—Doris Alvarez Cea, Florida Times-Union, 4 Feb. 2026
Indeed, about 14% of Gavi's portfolio consists of vaccines that contain thimerosal in multi-dose vials, including the 5 in 1 pentavalent vaccine, the DTP vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis and the hepatitis B vaccine.
—Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 30 Jan. 2026
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Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
According to a check made here today, reports that Balto — leader of Gunnar Kaasen’s team of Siberian dogs, which made a trip during a blinding blizzard in the last lap of the relay race with diphtheria antitoxin — is dead, are untrue.
—Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Legislative action is required to repeal the vaccine mandates for polio, diphtheria (a bacterial infection), rubeola (measles), rubella (a viral infection, also called German measles), pertussis (whooping cough), mumps and tetanus.
—Doris Alvarez Cea, Florida Times-Union, 4 Feb. 2026
Indeed, about 14% of Gavi's portfolio consists of vaccines that contain thimerosal in multi-dose vials, including the 5 in 1 pentavalent vaccine, the DTP vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis and the hepatitis B vaccine.
—Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for diphtheria
Cite this Entry
“Diphtheria.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diphtheria. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
diphtheria
noun
diph·the·ria
dif-ˈthir-ē-ə
dip-
dip-
: a contagious bacterial disease with fever in which the air passages become coated with a membranous layer that often obstructs breathing
Medical Definition
diphtheria
noun
diph·the·ria
dif-ˈthir-ē-ə
dip-
dip-
: an acute febrile contagious disease typically marked by the formation of a false membrane especially in the throat and caused by a bacterium of the genus Corynebacterium (C. diphtheriae) which produces a toxin causing inflammation of the heart and nervous system
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