lymph node

noun

: any of the rounded masses of lymphoid tissue that are surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue, are distributed along the lymphatic vessels, and contain numerous lymphocytes which filter the flow of lymph passing through the node

Examples of lymph node in a Sentence

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.
According to his memoir, Rockett had experienced a sore throat and a swollen lymph node for more than a month. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 Watch for a new or unexplained lump in the breast or armpit, ongoing breast pain unrelated to the menstrual cycle, skin dimpling or redness, a newly inverted nipple or unexpected discharge and swelling in the lymph nodes near the arm or collarbone. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026 If the cancer spread to the lymph nodes, which filter fluid in the body, that would change the prognosis and possible treatment plan, doctors said. — Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 If part of surgery involves lymph nodes, doctors will determine if additional chemotherapy or immunotherapy -- or, less commonly, radiation -- may be needed, Sarkaria added. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lymph node

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lymph node was in 1892

Rhymes for lymph node

See All Rhymes for lymph node

Browse Nearby Words

lymph gland
lymph node
lymphoblast
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lymph node.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lymph%20node. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lymph node

noun
: one of the rounded masses of tissue occurring along the lymphatic vessels and containing lymphocytes which filter the flow of lymph

called also lymph gland

Medical Definition

lymph node

noun
: any of the rounded masses of lymphoid tissue that are surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue, are distributed along the lymphatic vessels, and contain numerous lymphocytes which filter the flow of lymph passing through the node

called also lymph gland

More from Merriam-Webster on lymph node

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lymph node

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