plural allergies
1
: altered bodily reactivity (such as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure
a bee venom allergy so severe that a second sting may be fatal
2
: exaggerated or pathological immunological reaction (as by sneezing, difficult breathing, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual
3
: medical practice concerned with allergies
4
: a feeling of antipathy or aversion
Examples of allergy in a Sentence
Many people have some form of allergy.
independent-minded people who seem to have an allergy to any control from the government
Recent Examples on the Web
The hospital offers care ranging from prevention and surgery to allergy services and boarding.
—
Jessica Peralta, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
In addition, warmer seasons lengthen pollen cycles and increase pollen counts, priming lungs for more asthma episodes and more allergy attacks.
—Bill Frist, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
In addition, research has shown cockroach debris, such as feces and shed skins, can cause allergies and asthma in some people.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2025
For certain foods or substances that cause allergies or other hypersensitivity reactions, there are more specific labeling requirements.
—Toby Meyjes, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for allergy
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.
Jessica Peralta, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
In addition, warmer seasons lengthen pollen cycles and increase pollen counts, priming lungs for more asthma episodes and more allergy attacks.
—Bill Frist, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
In addition, research has shown cockroach debris, such as feces and shed skins, can cause allergies and asthma in some people.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2025
For certain foods or substances that cause allergies or other hypersensitivity reactions, there are more specific labeling requirements.
—Toby Meyjes, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for allergy
Cite this Entry
“Allergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allergy. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
allergy
noun
al·ler·gy
ˈal-ər-jē 
plural allergies
1
: exaggerated or abnormal reaction (as by sneezing, itching, or rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that do not have such a strong effect on most people
2
: a feeling of dislike
Medical Definition
allergy
noun
al·ler·gy
ˈal-ər-jē
plural allergies
1
: altered bodily reactivity (as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure
his bee-venom allergy may render a second sting fatal
2
: exaggerated or pathological reaction (as by sneezing, respiratory embarrassment, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual
3
: medical practice concerned with allergies
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share