dysentery

noun

dys·​en·​tery ˈdi-sᵊn-ˌter-ē How to pronounce dysentery (audio)
-ˌte-rē
plural dysenteries
Synonyms of dysenterynext
1
: a disease characterized by severe diarrhea with passage of mucus and blood and usually caused by infection
2
: diarrhea

Examples of dysentery 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.
Olena worried that there might be an outbreak of dysentery. — James Verini, The Atlantic, 12 May 2026 As a result, deaths from cholera, dysentery and typhoid fever fell dramatically. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 Raymond Kinzounza, weak with dysentery, went to a makeshift hospital. — Brad Schmitt, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Oct. 2025 His digestive system was wrecked by recurring dysentery and colic, and the calomel prescribed by his doctors only made things worse. — Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dysentery

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dissenterie, borrowed from Latin dysenteria (Medieval Latin desintiria, dissenteria), borrowed from Greek dysentería, from dys- dys- + éntera (neuter plural) "intestines" + -ia -ia entry 1 — more at inter-

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dysentery was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing dysentery

Rhymes for dysentery

See All Rhymes for dysentery

Browse Nearby Words

dysenteric
dysentery
dysfluency
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

dysentery

noun
dys·​en·​tery ˈdis-ən-ˌter-ē How to pronounce dysentery (audio)
1
: a disease characterized by severe diarrhea with passage of mucus and blood from the bowels
2
: diarrhea

Medical Definition

dysentery

noun
dys·​en·​tery ˈdis-ᵊn-ˌter-ē How to pronounce dysentery (audio)
plural dysenteries
1
: a disease characterized by severe diarrhea with passage of mucus and blood and usually caused by infection
2
: diarrhea
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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