allergen

noun

al·​ler·​gen ˈa-lər-jən How to pronounce allergen (audio)
: a substance (such as pollen) that induces allergy
allergenic adjective
allergenicity noun

Examples of allergen in a Sentence

common allergens, such as pollen
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.
An Ohio creamery is recalling several of its ice cream flavors because of undeclared allergens. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025 This one vacuums, mops, maps your home, empties itself into a 60-day bin, and even filters allergens with a HEPA system, all without needing babysitting. Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 15 July 2025 Kroger and Walmart stores in Ohio and Northern Kentucky sold bread with an undeclared allergen. Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025 Fine hairs in your nose called cilia filter out dust, allergens, germs and environmental debris. Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for allergen

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Allergen,, blend of allerg- (in Allergie allergy) and -gen (in Antigen antigen)

Note: See note at allergy.

First Known Use

circa 1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of allergen was circa 1907

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Allergen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allergen. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

allergen

noun
al·​ler·​gen ˈal-ər-jən How to pronounce allergen (audio)
: a substance (as pollen) that causes allergy
allergenic adjective

Medical Definition

allergen

noun
al·​ler·​gen ˈal-ər-jən How to pronounce allergen (audio)
: a substance that induces allergy
inhaled allergens
a suspected food allergen

More from Merriam-Webster on allergen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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