pandemic

[ pan-dem-ik ]

adjective

1. (of a disease) prevalent throughout an entire country, continent, or the whole world; epidemic over a large area. Compare epidemic ( def 1 ).
2. general; universal:

   pandemic fear of atomic war.

noun

1. a disease prevalent throughout an entire country, continent, or the whole world.

pandemic

/ pænˈdɛmɪk /

adjective

1. (of a disease) affecting persons over a wide geographical area; extensively epidemic

noun

1. a pandemic disease

pandemic

/ păn-dĕm′ĭk /

1. An epidemic that spreads over a very wide area, such as an entire country or continent.

pandemic

1. A widespread epidemic affecting a large part of the population.

Other Words From

• pan·de·mi·a [pan-, dee, -mee-, uh], noun
• pan·de·mic·i·ty [pan-d, uh, -, mis, -i-tee], noun
• in·ter·pan·dem·ic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pandemic¹

First recorded in 1660–70; from Late Latin pandēm(us), from Greek pándēmos “common, public” ( pan- “all” + dêm(os) “the people” + -os adjective suffix) + -ic; pan-

Word History and Origins

Origin of pandemic¹

C17: from Late Latin pandēmus, from Greek pandēmos general, from pan- + demos the people

Example Sentences

Mary Taylor has been operating her clothing stall in Belfast's market for seven years - surviving setbacks caused by the Covid pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.

From BBC

"The idea for the project came up during the pandemic when people were worried about the health risks of children spending so much time inside the school each day," said Geoffroy.

From Science Daily

The prospect of federal health policy resembling Kennedy's meddling in Samoa and Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has scientists and doctors worrying of a looming health disaster under their watch.

From Salon

Benjamin pointed to Kennedy's previous comments questioning the safety and efficacy of vaccines, and what might happen if there were another pandemic during his tenure.

From BBC

And so far, these decades-later legacy sequels — or “lega-sequels” — have helped boost a box office still recovering from the pandemic and fewer big titles due to last year’s dual Hollywood strikes.

From Los Angeles Times