hypothermia

noun

hy·​po·​ther·​mia ˌhī-pō-ˈthər-mē-ə How to pronounce hypothermia (audio)
: subnormal temperature of the body
hypothermic
ˌhī-pō-ˈthər-mik How to pronounce hypothermia (audio)
adjective

Examples of hypothermia in a Sentence

She fell into the cold water and nearly died from hypothermia.
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.
Following medical evaluations, two hikers showed signs of hypothermia and were taken to a hospital. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Causes involving malnutrition or hypothermia were still being explored, the office said. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026 That led, according to a wrongful death lawsuit filed against Vista, to the death of Chelsea Adolphus, 28, from hypothermia after being found on the roof of the hospital during a cold spell in late January 2025. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 In June, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office ruled her death a homicide, listing the cause of death as hypothermia. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hypothermia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

circa 1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypothermia was circa 1886

Rhymes for hypothermia

See All Rhymes for hypothermia

Browse Nearby Words

hypothermal
hypothermia
hypothermic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hypothermia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypothermia. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hypothermia

noun
hy·​po·​ther·​mia ˌhī-pō-ˈthər-mē-ə How to pronounce hypothermia (audio)
: reduction of the body temperature to an abnormally low level

Medical Definition

hypothermia

noun
hy·​po·​ther·​mia -ˈthər-mē-ə How to pronounce hypothermia (audio)
: subnormal temperature of the body
hypothermia, defined as temperature under 36.6°C—Emergency Medicine
hypothermic
-mik How to pronounce hypothermia (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on hypothermia

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hypothermia

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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