pertussis

noun

per·​tus·​sis pər-ˈtə-səs How to pronounce pertussis (audio)
: whooping cough

Examples of pertussis 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.
Adolescents should then receive a Tdap or tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis booster at age 11 or 12. — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 23 June 2026 Common examples include DTaP – for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis – and MMR, for measles, mumps and rubella. — Kar-Hai Chu, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2026 In addition, research has shown the shingles vaccine is associated with a lower dementia risk than the influenza and Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis) vaccines. — Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 28 June 2026 The affected data include childhood immunization rates against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella, hepatitis, chicken pox and flu; and rates for 13 year olds and expectant mothers. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pertussis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin per- thoroughly + tussis cough

First Known Use

circa 1772, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pertussis was circa 1772

Rhymes for pertussis

See All Rhymes for pertussis

Browse Nearby Words

Pertusaria
pertussis
Peru
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on pertussis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pertussis

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