black death

noun

often capitalized B&D
1
2
: a severe epidemic of plague and especially bubonic plague that occurred in Asia and Europe in the 14th century

Word History

Etymology

from the black patches formed on the skin of its victims

First Known Use

1755, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of black death was in 1755

Dictionary Entries Near black death

Cite this Entry

“Black death.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20death. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

black death

noun
: plague (as bubonic plague) caused by a bacterium and especially in the epidemic form that spread through Asia and Europe in the 14th century
also : the 14th-century epidemic of plague

Medical Definition

black death

noun
variants or Black Death
: plague sense 2
also : a severe epidemic of plague and especially bubonic plague that occurred in Asia and Europe in the 14th century

More from Merriam-Webster on black death

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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