vertigo

noun

ver·​ti·​go ˈvər-ti-ˌgō How to pronounce vertigo (audio)
plural vertigoes or vertigos
1
a
: a sensation of motion in which the individual or the individual's surroundings seem to whirl dizzily
b
: a dizzy confused state of mind
2
: disordered vertiginous movement as a symptom of disease in lower animals
also : a disease (such as gid) causing this

Examples of vertigo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The reasons why are obvious: Borealis, like many other works by Steina, utilizes video technology’s perception-altering possibilities to induce vertigo, confusion, and disorientation—and a new way of seeing the world altogether. Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 6 Jan. 2025 The condition, which occurs due to a portion of the skull being misshapen or too small, can cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness and vertigo, weak muscles, difficulty with balance or coordination, neck pain, trouble swallowing or breathing, insomnia, seizures, slow heart rhythm and more. Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024 Pain or headache can come with an inner ear infection, but inflammation deep in the ear usually causes symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or vertigo. Rachael Zimlich, Bsn, Rn, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024 All three were found to be substantially disabled by issues that can be caused by traumatic brain injury, like vertigo, headaches, anxiety and sleep apnea. Dave Philipps, New York Times, 2 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for vertigo 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin vertigin-, vertigo, from vertere to turn

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of vertigo was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near vertigo

Cite this Entry

“Vertigo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vertigo. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

vertigo

noun
ver·​ti·​go ˈvərt-i-ˌgō How to pronounce vertigo (audio)
plural vertigoes or vertigos
1
: a sensation in which a person or a person's surroundings seem to whirl dizzily
2
: a confused or bewildered state of mind

Medical Definition

vertigo

noun
ver·​ti·​go ˈvərt-i-ˌgō How to pronounce vertigo (audio)
plural vertigoes or vertigos
1
: a sensation of motion which is associated with various disorders (as of the inner ear) and in which the individual or the individual's surroundings seem to whirl dizzily see objective vertigo, subjective vertigo compare dizziness
2
: disordered vertiginous movement as a symptom of disease in lower animals
also : a disease (as gid) causing this

More from Merriam-Webster on vertigo

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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