norovirus
noun
nor·o·vi·rus
ˈnȯr-ə-ˌvī-rəs 
plural noroviruses
: any of a genus (Norovirus) of small, round, single-stranded RNA viruses that includes a single species (N. norwalkense) with various strains causing gastroenteritis in people and animals (such as cows, pigs, and dogs)
People spread the virus by eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus, touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then touching their mouth or having direct contact with another person who is infected.—
Cherie Black
Cherie BlackNote: In people, noroviruses cause gastroenteritis marked chiefly by sudden onset diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps.
see norwalk virusExamples of norovirus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Cruise Ship Cabins While not technically the germiest part of the ship, cruise ship cabins are the areas most associated with norovirus transmission, according to Chin-Hong.
—Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026
Here's what to know about the norovirus outbreak.
—Kristin Scharkey, USA Today, 1 June 2026
Fox News Digital also recently reported on a norovirus outbreak aboard the Caribbean Princess that sickened more than 100 passengers and crew members.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026
In fact, many within the industry still expect a record number of people worldwide to take cruises this year despite three passengers aboard the MV Hondius dying from hantavirus after the ship stopped in Argentina and a recent norovirus outbreak aboard a British ship docked in Bordeaux, France.
—ABC News, 16 May 2026
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Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026
Here's what to know about the norovirus outbreak.
—Kristin Scharkey, USA Today, 1 June 2026
Fox News Digital also recently reported on a norovirus outbreak aboard the Caribbean Princess that sickened more than 100 passengers and crew members.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026
In fact, many within the industry still expect a record number of people worldwide to take cruises this year despite three passengers aboard the MV Hondius dying from hantavirus after the ship stopped in Argentina and a recent norovirus outbreak aboard a British ship docked in Bordeaux, France.
—ABC News, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for norovirus
Cite this Entry
“Norovirus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/norovirus. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
norovirus
noun
nor·o·virus
ˌnȯr-ō-ˈvī-rəs
1
Norovirus
: a genus of caliciviruses that includes a single species (Norovirus norwalkense) with various strains causing gastroenteritis in people and animals (such as cows and dogs)
2
: any virus of the genus Norovirus
Norovirus can be transmitted person-to-person (via the fecal-oral route) and spread through contaminated airborne droplets, food, water, environmental surfaces, and fomites.—The Journal of the American Medical Association
The Journal of the American Medical AssociationNote: In people, noroviruses cause gastroenteritis marked chiefly by sudden onset, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps.
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