AIDS

noun

: a disease of the human immune system that is characterized cytologically especially by reduction in the numbers of CD4-bearing helper T cells to 20 percent or less of normal thereby rendering the subject highly vulnerable to life-threatening conditions (such as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia) and to some (such as Kaposi's sarcoma) that become life-threatening and that is caused by infection with HIV commonly transmitted in infected blood especially during illicit intravenous drug use and in bodily secretions (such as semen) during sexual intercourse

Examples of AIDS in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web God’s Love We Deliver prepares and delivers meals to people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other serious illnesses. Hannah Dylan Pasternak, SELF, 13 Mar. 2024 The 1980s and early ’90s, the height of the AIDS epidemic, claimed many leaders of the gay rights movement, including Mr. Mixner’s romantic and professional partner, Peter Scott, who died in 1989. Trip Gabriel, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2024 On Sunday, the Abbott Elementary star, 60, attended the Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscars Viewing Party and chatted with PEOPLE about her look. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 Viewing Party Each year, Sir Elton John hosts a viewing party to raise funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. David Graver, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2024 But by the late 1980s, they were blasted by tragedy and into obscurity thanks to socio-political unrest, AIDS and, least of all, disco. Tracy Kawalik, SPIN, 5 Mar. 2024 There’s also Prince, as well as the vast community of artists decimated by the AIDS epidemic. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2024 An image of the Grammy-winning R&B and soul singer Luther Vandross has been removed from an AIDS tribute segment during Madonna's Celebration Tour. Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2024 Ashman — who died in March 1991 at the age of 40 from his HIV/AIDS positive diagnosis — adapted the film for the stage, penning the show's book. Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'AIDS.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of AIDS was in 1982

Cite this Entry

“AIDS.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/AIDS. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

AIDS

noun
: a serious disease of the human immune system marked by destruction of a large proportion of the helper T cells in the body due to infection by the HIV virus commonly transmitted especially in blood and semen

Medical Definition

AIDS

noun
: a disease of the human immune system that is characterized cytologically especially by a reduction in the numbers of CD4-bearing helper T cells to 20 percent or less of normal thereby rendering the subject highly vulnerable to life-threatening conditions (as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia) and to some that become life threatening (as Kaposi's sarcoma) and that is caused by infection with HIV commonly transmitted in infected blood especially during illicit intravenous drug use and in bodily secretions (as semen) during sexual intercourse

called also acquired immune deficiency syndrome, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

More from Merriam-Webster on AIDS

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