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
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.
Experimental trials are now underway to test bacteriophage therapies against superbugs such as , vancomycin-resistant , and a strain of implicated in Crohn’s disease. Saima S. Iqbal, Scientific American, 31 Dec. 2024 Combatting superbugs Researchers estimated that more than 1 million people died globally from antibiotic-resistant infections in 2019. Dylan Matthews, Vox, 3 Dec. 2024 In it, the group said that food companies play a crucial role in combating the spread of deadly antibiotic-resistant superbugs. Bruce Gil, Quartz, 2 Dec. 2024 Without careful prescribing and use of antibiotics, superbugs resistant to many antibiotics will become more common and dangerous.10 Sore Throat, Strep, or Something Else? Jenny Sweigard, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 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 18 Jan. 2025.

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
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