lungworm
noun
lung·worm
ˈləŋ-ˌwərm 
: any of various nematodes that infest the lungs and air passages of mammals
Examples of lungworm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Frogs, lizards and crustaceans have also been known to transfer lungworm when ingested by animals.
—
Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
Doctors are urged to consider lungworm when diagnosing nervous system disorders, as early treatment with corticosteroids and antiparasitic drugs can be effective.
—Susanne Rust
follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Some of the luckiest rat lungworm victims don't need treatment and make full recoveries after the larvae die off on their own.
—Ars Technica, 11 Mar. 2025
The lungworm cannot pass from person to person, and fish do not spread it.
—Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Sep. 2023
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Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
Doctors are urged to consider lungworm when diagnosing nervous system disorders, as early treatment with corticosteroids and antiparasitic drugs can be effective.
—Susanne Rust
follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Some of the luckiest rat lungworm victims don't need treatment and make full recoveries after the larvae die off on their own.
—Ars Technica, 11 Mar. 2025
The lungworm cannot pass from person to person, and fish do not spread it.
—Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Sep. 2023
See All Example Sentences for lungworm
Cite this Entry
“Lungworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lungworm. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
lungworm
noun
lung·worm
-ˌwərm
: any of various nematodes of the order Strongylida and especially of the family Metastrongylidae that infest the lungs and air passages of mammals: as
a
: a lungworm of the genus Metastrongylus (M. elongatus synonym M. apri) that infests swine and causes bronchitis
b
: a nematode of the genus Dictyocaulus
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