vertigo

noun

ver·​ti·​go ˈvər-ti-ˌgō How to pronounce vertigo (audio)
plural vertigoes or vertigos
1
a
: a sensation of motion in which the individual or the individual's surroundings seem to whirl dizzily
b
: a dizzy confused state of mind
2
: disordered vertiginous movement as a symptom of disease in lower animals
also : a disease (such as gid) causing this

Examples of vertigo 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.
It is hoped that once the technology has been developed further, it could be used not only by stroke patients but also by people suffering from vertigo problems, or by amputees adapting to new prostheses. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 25 Jan. 2025 In Tokyo, Biles withdrew from several events due to mental health concerns after suffering from gymnastics vertigo. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025 As soon as the film begins, the viewer is made strongly aware of herself—her looking—and of her body, which experiences a vertigo. Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024 Good Girl captures the ache of Muslim girlhood and the vertigo of never feeling quite at home. Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vertigo

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin vertigin-, vertigo, from vertere to turn

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of vertigo was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vertigo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vertigo. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

vertigo

noun
ver·​ti·​go ˈvərt-i-ˌgō How to pronounce vertigo (audio)
plural vertigoes or vertigos
1
: a sensation in which a person or a person's surroundings seem to whirl dizzily
2
: a confused or bewildered state of mind

Medical Definition

vertigo

noun
ver·​ti·​go ˈvərt-i-ˌgō How to pronounce vertigo (audio)
plural vertigoes or vertigos
1
: a sensation of motion which is associated with various disorders (as of the inner ear) and in which the individual or the individual's surroundings seem to whirl dizzily see objective vertigo, subjective vertigo compare dizziness
2
: disordered vertiginous movement as a symptom of disease in lower animals
also : a disease (as gid) causing this

More from Merriam-Webster on vertigo

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