sickness

noun

sick·​ness ˈsik-nəs How to pronounce sickness (audio)
Synonyms of sicknessnext
1
a
: ill health : illness
b
: a disordered, weakened, or unsound condition
2
: a specific disease
3

Examples of sickness in a Sentence

He died from an unknown sickness. she was plagued by sickness most of her adult life
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.
Like absolutely everything in this movie, that sickness is repeated across the other parts of the story, as Thorn is wounded by a fall and Claire’s non-character of a mom falls ill from movie cancer. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2026 Local outlet Cape Argus reports the country’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) was alerted and made aware of a potential sickness onboard. Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026 Washing sheets in hot water every time isn’t necessary for linens that are lightly soiled—think no sweaty nights or sickness. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2026 Boost immunity with vitamin D 🤧 Vitamin C isn’t your only secret weapon against winter sickness. Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sickness

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sickness was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sickness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sickness. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

sickness

noun
sick·​ness ˈsik-nəs How to pronounce sickness (audio)
1
: ill health : illness
2
: a specific disease : malady
3

Medical Definition

sickness

noun
sick·​ness ˈsik-nəs How to pronounce sickness (audio)
1
: the condition of being ill : ill health
2
: a specific disease
3
: nausea

More from Merriam-Webster on sickness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!