allergic

adjective

al·​ler·​gic ə-ˈlər-jik How to pronounce allergic (audio)
Synonyms of allergicnext
1
: of, relating to, affected with, or caused by allergy
2
: having an aversion
allergic to work

Synonyms of allergic

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Examples of allergic in a Sentence

a lover of the outdoors who claims to be allergic to desk jobs
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.
Luella is dead, and was found at home by a neighbor after suffering an allergic reaction to a bee sting. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026 Across all vaccines, the incidence of a life-threatening allergic reaction is about one dose in one million. — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Even natural pesticides can be harmful if ingested or cause allergic reactions, so always follow label instructions. — Nicole Hernandez, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026 Applying castor oil to the scalp may cause allergic contact dermatitis, a skin reaction causing itching and redness, especially in people with sensitive skin. — Hannah Harper, HEALTH, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for allergic

Word History

Etymology

allergy + -ic entry 1, after German allergisch

Note: See note at allergy.

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of allergic was in 1908

Phrases Containing allergic

Rhymes for allergic

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Browse Nearby Words

allergen
allergic
allergic rhinitis
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Allergic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allergic. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

allergic

adjective
al·​ler·​gic ə-ˈlər-jik How to pronounce allergic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, affected with, or caused by allergy
an allergic reaction
2
: having a dislike for something
allergic to hard work

Medical Definition

allergic

adjective
al·​ler·​gic ə-ˈlər-jik How to pronounce allergic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or characterized by allergy
an allergic reaction
allergic diseases
2
: affected with allergy : subject to an allergic reaction
he is allergic to pollen
allergically
ə-ˈlər-ji-k(ə-)lē
adverb
The body reacts allergically, the skin reddening and breaking out in tiny blisters. —Paul G. Donohue, The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News

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Nglish: Translation of allergic for Spanish Speakers

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