- Definition
- Definition
- Example Sentences
- Word History
- Phrases Containing
- Related Articles
- Entries Near
-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
1
2
: any of several virus diseases marked especially by respiratory or intestinal symptoms
Examples of flu in a Sentence
He came down with a bad bout of the flu.
Recent Examples on the Web
Share [Findings] The presence of a professional sports team increases a city’s seasonal flu deaths.
—Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
The common cold and influenza (the flu) are respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses.
—Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 1 Jan. 2025
Other big stories ➤ Avian flu or bird flu was detected in wastewater in Phoenix, Surprise and Tempe, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health confirmed on Monday.
—Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 1 Jan. 2025
Unfortunately, this year’s flu shot probably doesn’t offer any protection against bird flu, Grein noted.
—Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for flu
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.
Word History
Etymology
by shortening
First Known Use
1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing flu
Articles Related to flu
Dictionary Entries Near flu
Cite this Entry
“Flu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flu. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
flu
noun2
: any of several virus diseases that are something like a cold
flu-like
adjective
ˈflü-ˌlīk
Medical Definition
flu
noun1
2
: any of several chiefly viral illnesses marked especially by respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms see intestinal flu
More from Merriam-Webster on flu
Nglish: Translation of flu for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of flu for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flu
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share