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
Bites, allergies, and rashes are common reactions to bugs and the chemicals used to eradicate them.
—
Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2024
How urban tree selection affects your allergies Tom Ogren, the independent researcher who first explained botanical sexism, traces its origins back to the USDA’s 1949 Yearbook of Agriculture.
—Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 1 July 2024
The only downside comes when the pilot announces a nut allergy onboard, which has happened to me once or twice.
—Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 June 2024
That’s been the case for Gracie, who is diligent about taking her daily allergy medications and using a rescue inhaler at the first sign of an attack.
—Joanne Fowler, Peoplemag, 28 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for allergy 
Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2024
How urban tree selection affects your allergies Tom Ogren, the independent researcher who first explained botanical sexism, traces its origins back to the USDA’s 1949 Yearbook of Agriculture.
—Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 1 July 2024
The only downside comes when the pilot announces a nut allergy onboard, which has happened to me once or twice.
—Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 June 2024
That’s been the case for Gracie, who is diligent about taking her daily allergy medications and using a rescue inhaler at the first sign of an attack.
—Joanne Fowler, Peoplemag, 28 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for allergy
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'allergy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near allergy
Cite this Entry
“Allergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allergy. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
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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