conjunctivitis

noun

con·​junc·​ti·​vi·​tis kən-ˌjəŋ(k)-ti-ˈvī-təs How to pronounce conjunctivitis (audio)
: inflammation of the conjunctiva

Examples of conjunctivitis 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.
Bird flu is not a big concern for songbirds, but other diseases, such as conjunctivitis, can affect them. — Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026 Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis). — Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026 Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammatory reaction of the conjunctiva, the clear skin on the surface of the eye. — Neelam Patadia, The Conversation, 27 May 2026 Allergic conjunctivitis causes inflammation of the eye lining, with symptoms including red, watery and itchy eyes. — Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conjunctivitis

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conjunctivitis was in 1835

Rhymes for conjunctivitis

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Browse Nearby Words

conjunctive tissue
conjunctivitis
conjunct system
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

conjunctivitis

noun
con·​junc·​ti·​vi·​tis kən-ˌjəŋ(k)-ti-ˈvīt-əs How to pronounce conjunctivitis (audio)
: inflammation of the conjunctiva : pinkeye

Medical Definition

conjunctivitis

noun
con·​junc·​ti·​vi·​tis kən-ˌjəŋ(k)-ti-ˈvīt-əs How to pronounce conjunctivitis (audio)
: inflammation of the conjunctiva that is typically marked by pinkness or redness of the sclera and by itching, burning, irritation, discharge, or excessive tearing of the eye and that is typically caused by pathogenic microorganisms (such as bacteria or viruses), allergens, or irritants see pink eye

More from Merriam-Webster on conjunctivitis

Nglish: Translation of conjunctivitis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about conjunctivitis

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