staph

noun

ˈstaf How to pronounce staph (audio)
: staphylococcus
also : an infection with staphylococci

Examples of staph in a Sentence

a resistant strain of staph
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.
The abscess, once drained, was found to have a staph infection. — David J. Neal may 6, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026 The state is still waiting on results for bacteria that cause staph and campylobacter. — Thomas Heaton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026 Margera tried to soothe the pain by submerging his fresh brand in a tub of filthy farm water, which resulted in a life-threatening staph infection that landed him in the hospital. — Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026 In those cases, staph can lead to blood infections, pneumonia, heart failure or stroke, or bone and joint infection and life-threatening conditions like sepsis and septic shock. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for staph

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of staph was circa 1933

Rhymes for staph

See All Rhymes for staph

Browse Nearby Words

stapes
staph
staphyl-
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

staph

noun
ˈstaf How to pronounce staph (audio)
: staphylococcus
also : an infection with staphylococci

Medical Definition

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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