gastroenteritis

noun

gas·​tro·​en·​ter·​i·​tis ˌga-strō-ˌen-tə-ˈrī-təs How to pronounce gastroenteritis (audio)
: inflammation of the lining membrane of the stomach and the intestines characterized especially by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps

Examples of gastroenteritis 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.
Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the stomach and intestines. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 29 May 2026 One swimmer was hospitalised with severe gastroenteritis. — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 18 June 2026 Infections also are sometimes called stomach flu, viral gastroenteritis or the winter vomiting bug. — Don Sweeney april 14, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2026 These pathogens can cause problems such as gastroenteritis and diarrhea but can also progress to more serious complications including sepsis and bacteremia, a condition in which bacteria enter the bloodstream, Wang said. — Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for gastroenteritis

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1829, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gastroenteritis was circa 1829

Rhymes for gastroenteritis

See All Rhymes for gastroenteritis

Browse Nearby Words

gastroduodenal
gastroenteritis
gastroenterology
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

gastroenteritis

noun
gas·​tro·​en·​ter·​i·​tis -ˌent-ə-ˈrīt-əs How to pronounce gastroenteritis (audio)
plural gastroenteritides -ˈrit-ə-ˌdēz How to pronounce gastroenteritis (audio)
: inflammation of the lining membrane of the stomach and the intestines

More from Merriam-Webster on gastroenteritis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gastroenteritis

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