inoculation

noun

in·​oc·​u·​la·​tion i-ˌnä-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce inoculation (audio)
1
: the act or process or an instance of inoculating
especially : the introduction of a pathogen or antigen into a living organism to stimulate the production of antibodies
2

Examples of inoculation 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.
But Cable thinks now is a good time to begin the discussion of potential inoculation. Joshua Rapp Learn, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 May 2025 Experts have pushed back against this claim about vaccine testing, pointing to various double-blind studies for inoculations against MMR, polio and the flu, among others. Joseph Choi, The Hill, 8 May 2025 Maltz served as the lead author on a meta-analysis of how soil inoculation with different species of mycorrhizal fungi can affect degraded ecosystems. Lauren Oster, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 May 2025 One of the most common childhood inoculations — the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine — has been a requirement for school attendance since its development in the 1970s. Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inoculation

Word History

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inoculation was in 1714

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inoculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inoculation. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

inoculation

noun
in·​oc·​u·​la·​tion in-ˌäk-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce inoculation (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of inoculating
2
: material used in inoculating

Medical Definition

inoculation

noun
in·​oc·​u·​la·​tion in-ˌäk-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce inoculation (audio)
1
: the act or process or an instance of inoculating: as
a
: the introduction of a microorganism into a medium suitable for its growth
b(1)
: the introduction of a pathogen or antigen into a living organism to stimulate the production of antibodies
(2)
: the introduction of a vaccine or serum into a living organism to confer immunity
travelers in the tropics should have typhoid inoculations
2

More from Merriam-Webster on inoculation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!