botulism

noun

bot·​u·​lism ˈbä-chə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce botulism (audio)
: acute food poisoning that is caused by botulinum toxin produced in food by a bacterial clostridium (Clostridium botulinum) and is characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis, disturbances of vision, swallowing, and speech, and a high mortality rate

Examples of botulism 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.
This sterilization step helps eliminate spores of microorganisms, including Clostridium spores that can cause infant botulism, Abbott said in a press release. — Dr. Jade Cobern, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 And honey should never be given to infants under 1 due to a risk of botulism. — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Second, and even more important, nitrite helps prevent dangerous bacteria, including one that causes a deadly disease called botulism, from growing in meat. — Anna Dilger, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026 Other symptoms of foodborne botulism include vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for botulism

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of botulism was in 1896

Rhymes for botulism

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Browse Nearby Words

botulinum toxin
botulism
botulismus toxin
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Botulism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/botulism. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

botulism

noun
bot·​u·​lism ˈbäch-ə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce botulism (audio)
: poisoning caused by eating food containing a toxin made by a spore-forming bacterium

Medical Definition

botulism

noun
bot·​u·​lism ˈbäch-ə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce botulism (audio)
: acute food poisoning caused by botulinum toxin produced in food by a bacterium of the genus Clostridium (C. botulinum) and characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis, disturbances of vision, swallowing, and speech, and a high mortality rate see botulinum toxin, limberneck

More from Merriam-Webster on botulism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about botulism

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