allergen

noun

al·ler·gen ˈa-lər-jən

: a substance (such as pollen) that induces allergy

allergenic

ˌa-lər-ˈje-nik

adjective

allergenicity

ˌa-lər-jə-ˈni-sə-tē

noun

Examples of allergen in a Sentence

common allergens, such as pollen

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.

Food businesses must take allergen risks seriously, every time. — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 9 Oct. 2026 Several food products were recalled in September over concerns ranging from possible salmonella and listeria contamination to undeclared allergens, foreign materials and other potential hazards. — Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026 Some hotels venture away from these traditional pillows and offer down-alternative pillows made of recycled materials that are free of allergens. — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026 Mokas has several allergen-friendly options for those with dietary restrictions. — Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for allergen

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Allergen,, blend of allerg- (in Allergie allergy) and -gen (in Antigen antigen)

Note: See note at allergy.

First Known Use

circa 1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of allergen was circa 1907

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

Allen wrench

allergen

allergic

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Allergen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allergen. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

allergen

noun

al·ler·gen ˈal-ər-jən

: a substance (as pollen) that causes allergy

allergenic

ˌal-ər-ˈjen-ik

adjective

Medical Definition

allergen

noun

al·ler·gen ˈal-ər-jən

: a substance that induces allergy

inhaled allergens

a suspected food allergen

allergen

noun

Examples of allergen in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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