bronchiolitis

noun

bron·​chi·​ol·​i·​tis ˌbräŋ-kē-ō-ˈlī-təs How to pronounce bronchiolitis (audio)
: inflammation of the bronchioles

Examples of bronchiolitis 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.
This condition, called bronchiolitis, can cause wheezing and is most dangerous in the first months of life, when newborns’ airways are extremely narrow. — Liz Szabo, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2025 These patients can develop serious complications such as pneumonia, or infection of the lung; as well as bronchiolitis, or inflammation of the airways. — Omer Awan, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 Blood and urinary cultures may also be performed (bronchiolitis related to RSV can occur with a urinary tract infection in newborns). — Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 3 Oct. 2024 Torres spent much of his time after returning from the war seeking a diagnosis and treatment for his illness, which was later determined to be constrictive bronchiolitis, a life-threatening lung disease. — John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 24 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for bronchiolitis

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from bronchiolum bronchiole + -itis -itis

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bronchiolitis was in 1887

Rhymes for bronchiolitis

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Browse Nearby Words

bronchiole
bronchiolitis
bronchitic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

bronchiolitis

noun
bron·​chi·​ol·​itis -ō-ˈlīt-əs How to pronounce bronchiolitis (audio)
: inflammation of the bronchioles

More from Merriam-Webster on bronchiolitis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bronchiolitis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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