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

With fall and winter approaching, seasonal illnesses like the flu are already spiking. —Lauren De Young, The Arizona Republic, 15 Nov. 2024

Other symptoms of the flu include fever, body aches, and fatigue.10 Respiratory Conditions Acute and chronic conditions that reduce lung function can cause tachypnea. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Nov. 2024

For instance, this could mean treating a seizure, a migraine, or in my son's case, letting the flu run its course. —Lindsey Getz, Parents, 1 Nov. 2024

Scientists now believe the trigger for developing narcolepsy may be bacterial and viral infections, such as strep throat or a form of the flu. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 1 Nov. 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