botulism
noun
bot·u·lism
ˈbä-chə-ˌli-zəm 
: acute food poisoning that is caused by botulinum toxin produced in food by a bacterial clostridium (Clostridium botulinum) and is characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis, disturbances of vision, swallowing, and speech, and a high mortality rate
Examples of botulism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The letter notes some recognizable threats, such as anthrax, tularemia, Ebola, plague, and botulism.
—
Ars Technica, 20 Jan. 2025
Anyone experiencing botulism symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
In uncontrolled doses or exposures, this toxin can cause difficulty breathing or paralysis–a disease called botulism.
—Sara Hoffman, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 19 Dec. 2024
While botulism complications are extremely rare, the apparent rise in counterfeit substances has raised concerns for health officials.
—Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for botulism 
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.
Ars Technica, 20 Jan. 2025
Anyone experiencing botulism symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
In uncontrolled doses or exposures, this toxin can cause difficulty breathing or paralysis–a disease called botulism.
—Sara Hoffman, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 19 Dec. 2024
While botulism complications are extremely rare, the apparent rise in counterfeit substances has raised concerns for health officials.
—Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for botulism
Dictionary Entries Near botulism
Cite this Entry
“Botulism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/botulism. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
botulism
noun
bot·u·lism
ˈbäch-ə-ˌliz-əm
: poisoning caused by eating food containing a toxin made by a spore-forming bacterium
Medical Definition
botulism
noun
bot·u·lism
ˈbäch-ə-ˌliz-əm
: acute food poisoning caused by botulinum toxin produced in food by a bacterium of the genus Clostridium (C. botulinum) and characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis, disturbances of vision, swallowing, and speech, and a high mortality rate see botulinum toxin, limberneck
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share