infectious disease

noun

: a disease (such as influenza, malaria, meningitis, rabies, or tetanus) caused by the entrance into the body of pathogenic agents or microorganisms (such as bacteria, viruses, protozoans, or fungi) which grow and multiply there compare communicable disease, contagious disease

Examples of infectious disease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Previously, a doctor would consult an infectious disease specialist—a process that can take between 24 and 48 hours. Andrew R. Chow, Time, 13 Feb. 2026 Because measles is what researchers call a high-consequence infectious disease, health-care professionals undertake a series of strict protocols to limit its spread. Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026 The outbreaks have mostly impacted children and have come as infectious disease experts warn that rising public distrust of vaccines generally may be contributing to the spread of a disease once declared eradicated by public health officials. Matt Brown, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026 The outbreaks have mostly affected children and have come as infectious disease experts warn that rising public distrust of vaccines generally may be contributing to the spread of a disease once declared eradicated by public health officials. Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for infectious disease

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of infectious disease was in 1600

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Infectious disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infectious%20disease. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

infectious disease

noun
: a disease caused by the presence, growth, and increase in numbers of germs in the body

Medical Definition

infectious disease

noun
: a disease (as influenza, malaria, meningitis, rabies, or tetanus) caused by the entrance into the body of pathogenic agents or microorganisms (as bacteria, viruses, protozoans, or fungi) which grow and multiply there compare communicable disease, contagious disease
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