1
2
: any of several virus diseases marked especially by respiratory or intestinal symptoms
flu-like adjective

Examples of flu in a Sentence

He came down with a bad bout of the flu.
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.
Scientists estimate somewhere between 5%-35% of people do not get sick from the flu despite being exposed to the virus that causes it. Juana Summers, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026 Dearth said Crew came down with the flu last year, but his symptoms didn't seem to be getting better with time. ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026 Becerra pointed to his experiences leading the sprawling federal health agency during the Biden administration, including dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the wildfires that devastated Maui, Hawaii, avian flu and mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026 Preventive care includes a wide range of services, from diabetes and cancer screenings to vaccines that reduce the risk of conditions such as pneumonia, hepatitis and the flu. NBC news, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flu

Word History

Etymology

by shortening

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flu was in 1839

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flu. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

flu

noun
1
2
: any of several virus diseases that are something like a cold
flu-like
ˈflü-ˌlīk
adjective

Medical Definition

flu

noun
1
2
: any of several chiefly viral illnesses marked especially by respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms see intestinal flu
flu-like adjective
also flulike
flu-like symptoms

More from Merriam-Webster on flu

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