flu

noun

ˈflü 

1

: influenza

2

: any of several virus diseases marked especially by respiratory or intestinal symptoms

flu-like

ˈflü-ˌlīk 

adjective

Examples of flu in a Sentence

He came down with a bad bout of the flu.

Recent Examples on the Web

Symptoms of the disease vary but often include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes and respiratory symptoms similar to a cold or the flu. —Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 3 Nov. 2024

For the flu and COVID, those 65 or older, pregnant or immunocompromised people or people with conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or obesity are most at risk. —Caelyn Pender, The Mercury News, 2 Nov. 2024

Soothing Spices Spices that are on the sweeter side may be best for flu support. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024

Some previous flu infections in pigs have allowed influenza viruses to change rapidly and develop new capabilities. —Jamie Gumbrecht, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

by shortening

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing flu

• anti-flu
• Asian flu
• bird flu
• blue flu
• flu season
• swine flu
• yuppie flu

Kids Definition

flu

noun

ˈflü 

1

: influenza sense 1

2

: any of several virus diseases that are something like a cold

flu-like

ˈflü-ˌlīk

adjective

Medical Definition

flu

noun

ˈflü 

1

: influenza

2

: any of several chiefly viral illnesses marked especially by respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms see intestinal flu

flu-like

-ˌlīk 

adjective

also flulike

flu-like symptoms