vaccination

noun

vac·​ci·​na·​tion ˌvak-sə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce vaccination (audio)
1
: the act of vaccinating
2
: the scar left by vaccinating

Examples of vaccination 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.
The feline panleukopenia vaccination also protects cats against two other common viruses — feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 Practices could be penalized for taking in such patients, given that vaccination rates were one of the metrics on which insurers measured physicians’ success. — Eric Boodman, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026 The advice emphasizes the importance of sleep, limited screen time and up-to-date vaccinations, according to a community announcement. — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 Several studies have also found that vaccination is associated with a lower risk of dementia and may even slow the onset of cognitive impairment. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vaccination

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "inoculation with fluid from cowpox pustules," from vaccine "of cowpox" (in the phrases vaccine matter, vaccine virus) + -ation — more at vaccine

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vaccination was in 1891

Phrases Containing vaccination

Rhymes for vaccination

See All Rhymes for vaccination

Browse Nearby Words

vaccinate
vaccination
vaccine
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Cite this Entry

“Vaccination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vaccination. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

vaccination

noun
vac·​ci·​na·​tion ˌvak-sə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce vaccination (audio)
1
: the act of vaccinating
2
: the scar left by vaccinating

Medical Definition

vaccination

noun
vac·​ci·​na·​tion ˌvak-sə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce vaccination (audio)
1
: the introduction into humans or domestic animals of microorganisms that have previously been treated to make them harmless for the purpose of inducing the development of immunity
oral vaccination
vaccination against smallpox
vaccination for whooping cough
2
: the scar left by vaccinating
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