vertigo

noun

ver·​ti·​go ˈvər-ti-ˌgō How to pronounce vertigo (audio)
plural vertigoes or vertigos
1
a
: a sensation of motion in which the individual or the individual's surroundings seem to whirl dizzily
b
: a dizzy confused state of mind
2
: disordered vertiginous movement as a symptom of disease in lower animals
also : a disease (such as gid) causing this

Examples of vertigo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web To stand in one of the camp’s alleys is to feel a type of vertigo: in every direction, rows of tents—U.N.-issued blue nylon and polyester patched together with white and beige scraps of fabric—stretch to the horizon. Anand Gopal, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 Kent, 25, uses her social media presence to educate about living with Ménière's Disease, which causes dizzy spells known as vertigo, and hearing loss. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 26 Jan. 2024 Havana syndrome is the name for a collection of debilitating symptoms — including migraines, vertigo and other ailments — first seen in diplomats and spies working at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba in 2016 and 2017. Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2024 The condition affects the inner ear and causes vertigo and hearing loss. Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 30 Jan. 2024 Salt restriction: Limiting salt intake will help keep the inner ear fluid low and help prevent vertigo. USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2024 The chaotic situation left the single mother with anxiety and vertigo. Rebecca Plevin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2024 The college student revealed that what started as seemingly symptoms of vertigo got serious quickly. Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 11 Jan. 2024 There are two types of vertigo: central and peripheral. Maressa Brown, Health, 31 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vertigo.' 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

Middle English, from Latin vertigin-, vertigo, from vertere to turn

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of vertigo was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near vertigo

Cite this Entry

“Vertigo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vertigo. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

vertigo

noun
ver·​ti·​go ˈvərt-i-ˌgō How to pronounce vertigo (audio)
plural vertigoes or vertigos
1
: a sensation in which a person or a person's surroundings seem to whirl dizzily
2
: a confused or bewildered state of mind

Medical Definition

vertigo

noun
ver·​ti·​go ˈvərt-i-ˌgō How to pronounce vertigo (audio)
plural vertigoes or vertigos
1
: a sensation of motion which is associated with various disorders (as of the inner ear) and in which the individual or the individual's surroundings seem to whirl dizzily see objective vertigo, subjective vertigo compare dizziness
2
: disordered vertiginous movement as a symptom of disease in lower animals
also : a disease (as gid) causing this

More from Merriam-Webster on vertigo

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