sickle cell

noun

: an abnormal red blood cell of crescent shape

Examples of sickle cell 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.
Living with sickle cell disease has sometimes interrupted Dennis' education and other parts of her life. — Jamal Goss, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 The clinic is designed to treat children with acute and chronic pain, including pain caused by sickle cell disease. — Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 The charge also reflected the removal of revenue projections for its sickle cell disease drug Oxbryta after recent discussions with the Food and Drug Administration. — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026 Swimming pools are heated to 93 or 94 degrees so children with sickle cell disease don’t have a crisis. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sickle cell

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sickle cell was circa 1923

Rhymes for sickle cell

See All Rhymes for sickle cell

Browse Nearby Words

sickle-billed
sickle cell
sickle cell anemia
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sickle cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sickle%20cell. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sickle cell

noun
: an abnormal red blood cell that is crescent-shaped

Medical Definition

sickle cell

noun
1
: an abnormal rigid, sticky red blood cell of crescent shape
2
: a condition characterized by sickle cells : sickle cell anemia, sickle-cell trait
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