pertussis

noun

per·​tus·​sis pər-ˈtə-səs How to pronounce pertussis (audio)

Examples of pertussis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Shots against seasonal flu, RSV, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap), pneumococcal infections, hepatitis A and B, and typhoid have all been linked to lower risks. Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026 Symptoms of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, resemble a cold, with a cough that usually worsens over weeks and can cause gasping, vomiting and difficulty breathing, the Pasadena Public Health Department said in a statement announcing the outbreak. Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026 Along with measles, pertussis has also been surging in the state, reaching a five-year high in 2025 with 1,454 cases, more than double the 715 cases reported in Florida in 2024. Cindy Krischer Goodman, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026 Common examples include DTaP – for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis – and MMR, for measles, mumps and rubella. Kar-Hai Chu, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pertussis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin per- thoroughly + tussis cough

First Known Use

circa 1772, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pertussis was circa 1772

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pertussis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pertussis. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

pertussis

noun
per·​tus·​sis pər-ˈtəs-əs How to pronounce pertussis (audio)

Medical Definition

pertussis

noun
per·​tus·​sis pər-ˈtəs-əs How to pronounce pertussis (audio)

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