Plague

/pleɪɡ/ · noun

Meaning

(often used with the, sometimes capitalized: the Plague) The bubonic plague, the pestilent disease caused by the virulent bacterium Yersinia pestis..

Definitions by Sense

1. (often used with the, sometimes capitalized: the Plague) The bubonic plague, the pestilent disease caused by the virulent bacterium Yersinia pestis.
2. (pathology) An epidemic or pandemic caused by any pestilence, but especially that caused by the above disease.
3. A widespread affliction, calamity, or destructive influx, especially when seen as divine retribution.
4. (figurative) A grave nuisance, whatever greatly irritates.
5. (ornithology) A group of common grackles.
6. (transitive) To harass, pester or annoy someone persistently or incessantly.
7. (transitive) To afflict with a disease or other calamity.

Example Sentences

It was about the beginning of September, 1664, that I, among the rest of my neighbours, heard in ordinary discourse that the plague was returned again in Holland[…] It mattered not from whence it came; but all agreed it was come into Holland again.

Great plagues, such as the bubonic plague or smallpox or syphilis or influenza, can happen again.

Ten Biblical plagues over Egypt, ranging from locusts to the death of the crown prince, finally forced Pharaoh to let Moses's people go.

A plague a both the Houſes, I am sped: / Is he gone and hath nothing?

Bart is an utter plague; his pranks never cease.

"I'm not doing anything as far as that goes," admitted Tulloch. "In fact," he added ruefully, "that's the plague of it. I'm waiting to hear from a man who's waiting to hear from another man, and he's depending on something that may or mayn't, you understand."

This is the first time a President has attended this dinner in six years. It's understandable- we had a horrible plague, followed by two years of COVID!

"Moreover," replied Congreve, "it was a sort of flattery to the duke. It showed that she valued the power of plaguing him more than her own fairest ornament. Flattery is the real secret by which a woman keeps her lover."

Synonyms for plague

Antonyms for plague

Related Words

Word Forms

• plagues
• plaguing
• plagued

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions