superbug

noun

su·​per·​bug ˈsü-pər-ˌbəg How to pronounce superbug (audio)
: a pathogenic microorganism and especially a bacterium that has developed resistance to the medications normally used against it

Examples of superbug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
By infecting and replicating inside a host bacterium, phages could kill pathogens and form the basis of new drugs to treat antibiotic-resistant or superbugs. Issy Ronald, CNN, 9 Oct. 2024 Experts say the overuse of antibiotics—among both humans and livestock—has contributed to the problem, along with environmental factors that have allowed superbugs to thrive. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Sep. 2024 According to a new study published on The Lancet on Monday, Sept. 16, researchers have concluded that if measures are not taken, a superbug could be powerful enough to kill almost 2 million people every year by 2050. Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 18 Sep. 2024 It's billed as the first in-depth analysis of the global health impacts of antimicrobial resistance and reinforces earlier findings that superbugs can be more fatal than diseases like HIV/AIDS. Tina Reed, Axios, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for superbug 

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of superbug was in 1945

Dictionary Entries Near superbug

Cite this Entry

“Superbug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superbug. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

superbug

noun
su·​per·​bug ˈsü-pər-ˌbəg How to pronounce superbug (audio)
: a pathogenic microorganism and especially a bacterium that has developed resistance to the medications normally used against it
The rise of superbugs that can survive multiple antibiotics—such as MRSA, the notorious "flesh-eating bacterium"—has turned once-trivial infections into persistent problems.Valerie Ross, Discover
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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