bioterrorism

noun

bio·​ter·​ror·​ism ˌbī-ō-ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce bioterrorism (audio)
-ə-ˌri-
: terrorism involving the use of biological weapons
bioterrorist
ˌbī-ō-ˈter-ər-ist How to pronounce bioterrorism (audio)
-ə-rist
adjective or noun

Examples of bioterrorism 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.
Most of the white powders brought to the bioterrorism lab turn out to pose only pantry-level threats — corn starch is a common culprit. — Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2025 What do a politically motivated foodborne outbreak, an act of bioterrorism, and an emerging, highly pathogenic virus have in common? — Amita Gupta, Baltimore Sun, 7 May 2025 Amodei also said that countries should cooperate to address the risk of AI in cyber, bioterrorism and areas of intelligence, the person added. — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 17 June 2026 While the threat of bioterrorism is significant, the more likely case is the emergence of a natural pandemic, as was the case of COVID. — Rick Pozniak, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bioterrorism

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bioterrorism was in 1987

Rhymes for bioterrorism

See All Rhymes for bioterrorism

Browse Nearby Words

bioterror
bioterrorism
biotest
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bioterrorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bioterrorism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bioterrorism

noun
bio·​ter·​ror·​ism -ˈter-ər-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce bioterrorism (audio)
: terrorism involving the use of biological weapons
bioterrorist
-ər-əst How to pronounce bioterrorism (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

bioterrorism

noun
bio·​ter·​ror·​ism -ˈter-ər-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce bioterrorism (audio)
: terrorism involving the use of biological weapons
bioterrorist
-ər-əst How to pronounce bioterrorism (audio)
adjective or noun

More from Merriam-Webster on bioterrorism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bioterrorism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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