symptom
noun
symp·tom
ˈsim(p)-təm 
1
a
: subjective evidence of disease or physical disturbance
broadly
: something that indicates the presence of bodily disorder
b
: an evident reaction by a plant to a pathogen
2
a
: something that indicates the existence of something else
symptoms of an inner turmoil
b
: a slight indication : trace
Examples of symptom in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
What to know to recognize the symptoms How to get rid of acid reflux
In most cases, acid reflux can actually be eradicated for good.
—
Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
They can also be used when investigating symptoms relating to the heart or the other internal organs, or to take a closer look at bones and joints.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
This can help relieve some symptoms if your child accidentally comes in contact with an allergen.
—Wendy Wisner, Health, 18 Apr. 2025
Many people who need less support are good at masking the symptoms.
—Heidi Moawad, Md, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for symptom
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Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
They can also be used when investigating symptoms relating to the heart or the other internal organs, or to take a closer look at bones and joints.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
This can help relieve some symptoms if your child accidentally comes in contact with an allergen.
—Wendy Wisner, Health, 18 Apr. 2025
Many people who need less support are good at masking the symptoms.
—Heidi Moawad, Md, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for symptom
Cite this Entry
“Symptom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symptom. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
symptom
noun
symp·tom
ˈsim(p)-təm
1
: a change in a living thing that indicates the presence of a disease or other physical disorder
especially
: one (as a headache) that can be felt or sensed only by the individual affected
2
: something that shows that something else exists : indication
Medical Definition
symptom
noun
symp·tom
ˈsim(p)-təm
: subjective evidence of disease or physical disturbance observed by the patient
headache is a symptom of many diseases
visual disturbances may be a symptom of retinal arteriosclerosis
broadly
: something that indicates the presence of a physical disorder compare sign sense 2
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