vaccination

noun

vac·​ci·​na·​tion ˌvak-sə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce vaccination (audio)
1
: the act of vaccinating
2
: the scar left by vaccinating

Examples of vaccination 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.
The investigation was sparked after the West Side safety net hospital came under fire for improperly doling out COVID-19 vaccinations soon after the shots became available. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 At the same time, government officials have cast doubt on the safety of vaccines, further discouraging vaccination. — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 The documents land as the US itself is grappling with slipping vaccination rates and unbridled measles outbreaks, which have killed two people, including a newborn, this year. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 The Samoan government halted all vaccinations for 10 months, until April 2019. — Ali Swenson, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vaccination

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "inoculation with fluid from cowpox pustules," from vaccine "of cowpox" (in the phrases vaccine matter, vaccine virus) + -ation — more at vaccine

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vaccination was in 1891

Phrases Containing vaccination

Rhymes for vaccination

See All Rhymes for vaccination

Browse Nearby Words

vaccinate
vaccination
vaccine
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

vaccination

noun
vac·​ci·​na·​tion ˌvak-sə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce vaccination (audio)
1
: the act of vaccinating
2
: the scar left by vaccinating

Medical Definition

vaccination

noun
vac·​ci·​na·​tion ˌvak-sə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce vaccination (audio)
1
: the introduction into humans or domestic animals of microorganisms that have previously been treated to make them harmless for the purpose of inducing the development of immunity
oral vaccination
vaccination against smallpox
vaccination for whooping cough
2
: the scar left by vaccinating
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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