plural allergies
1
: altered bodily reactivity (such as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure
a bee venom allergy so severe that a second sting may be fatal
2
: exaggerated or pathological immunological reaction (as by sneezing, difficult breathing, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual
3
: medical practice concerned with allergies
4
: a feeling of antipathy or aversion
Synonyms
Examples of allergy in a Sentence
Many people have some form of allergy.
independent-minded people who seem to have an allergy to any control from the government
Recent Examples on the Web
Do turmeric supplements really treat pain, boost mood, and improve allergies?
—
Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 24 Jan. 2025
Fatigue is a common allergy symptom, so people with allergies may often feel tired.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 23 Jan. 2025
Those who are pregnant, have skin allergies, or experience conditions such as rosacea should probably avoid retinoids.7
5.
—Laura Schober, Health, 23 Jan. 2025
Milk is one of the nine leading causes of food allergies identified in the U.S., as noted by the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.
—John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for allergy 
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Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 24 Jan. 2025
Fatigue is a common allergy symptom, so people with allergies may often feel tired.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 23 Jan. 2025
Those who are pregnant, have skin allergies, or experience conditions such as rosacea should probably avoid retinoids.7
5.
—Laura Schober, Health, 23 Jan. 2025
Milk is one of the nine leading causes of food allergies identified in the U.S., as noted by the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.
—John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for allergy
Dictionary Entries Near allergy
Cite this Entry
“Allergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allergy. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
allergy
noun
al·ler·gy
ˈal-ər-jē 
plural allergies
1
: exaggerated or abnormal reaction (as by sneezing, itching, or rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that do not have such a strong effect on most people
2
: a feeling of dislike
Medical Definition
allergy
noun
al·ler·gy
ˈal-ər-jē
plural allergies
1
: altered bodily reactivity (as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure
his bee-venom allergy may render a second sting fatal
2
: exaggerated or pathological reaction (as by sneezing, respiratory embarrassment, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual
3
: medical practice concerned with allergies
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