ulcer

noun

ul·​cer ˈəl-sər How to pronounce ulcer (audio)
1
: a break in skin or mucous membrane with loss of surface tissue, disintegration and necrosis of epithelial tissue, and often pus
2
: something that festers and corrupts like an open sore
ulcer verb

Examples of ulcer 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.
Friends said her poise helped to hide the anxieties that landed her in a hospital with ulcers soon after their return. — Robert D. McFadden, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026 Chemist Paul Ehrlich tested what is now recognized as the first chemotherapy drug, injecting arsphenamine, his team’s 606th compound, into a rabbit that had been infected with syphilitic ulcers. — USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 The camera sends images to a monitor, where the doctor watches for inflammation, bleeding, ulcers, discoloration and polyps. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2026 In March, Hilton said in a series of posts that he had been hospitalized for three weeks with an ulcer and sepsis. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ulcer

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin ulcer-, ulcus; akin to Greek helkos wound

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ulcer was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing ulcer

Rhymes for ulcer

See All Rhymes for ulcer

Browse Nearby Words

ULCC
ulcer
ulcerate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ulcer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ulcer. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ulcer

noun
ul·​cer ˈəl-sər How to pronounce ulcer (audio)
: a slow-healing open sore in which tissue breaks down

Medical Definition

ulcer

1 of 2 noun
ul·​cer ˈəl-sər How to pronounce ulcer (audio)
: a break in skin or mucous membrane with loss of surface tissue, disintegration and necrosis of epithelial tissue, and often pus
a stomach ulcer

ulcer

2 of 2 verb
ulcered; ulcering ˈəls-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce ulcer (audio)
: ulcerate

More from Merriam-Webster on ulcer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ulcer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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