immunization
noun
im·mu·ni·za·tion ˌi-myə-nə-ˈzā-shən 
also i-ˌmyü-nə-
plural immunizations
: the act of making someone or something immune or the state of being immune : the act or result of immunizing someone or something: such as
a
: the production of immunity in a living organism against a disease or pathogenic agent
Full immunization occurs two weeks after inoculation.
The plasmids used for immunization have been altered to carry genes specifying one or more antigenic proteins normally made by a selected pathogen …—
David B. Weiner et al.
David B. Weiner et al.
also : treatment (as by vaccination) for the purpose of making an organism immune to a disease or pathogenic agent : the administration of an immune-producing substance
Measles is the single most infectious common disease—one person with measles who blunders into a crowded room will give it to almost everyone. If there were no immunization, measles would be universal. —Wayne Biddle
Wayne Biddle
Those benefits can include preventive care, such as annual physicals, immunizations, and well-baby visits. —Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports
b
: the providing of protection or exemption from something harmful or unwanted (such as legal action)
immunization from liability
The Interior Department is negotiating with other private landowners to extend similar immunization from prosecution to those who agree to avoid activities that might hurt the bird's chances of survival.—Ken Miller
Ken Miller
Examples of immunization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Our fraught national debate over immunization and public health has overshadowed some extremely encouraging advances being made by researchers in the decades-long battle against cancer. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 The state met the benchmarks for early learning and development standards and for screening and referrals of vision, hearing and immunizations. —Lina Ruiz april 23, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026 Public health experts have pointed to the role of vaccine misinformation in eroding trust and contributing to low immunization coverage during that period. —Will Walters, STAT, 23 Apr. 2026 Likewise, based on this advice, insurance companies, Medicaid, and other programs provide coverage for vaccine costs, so child immunization is free for most families. —Professor David R. Hill, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for immunization
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 Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 The state met the benchmarks for early learning and development standards and for screening and referrals of vision, hearing and immunizations. —Lina Ruiz april 23, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026 Public health experts have pointed to the role of vaccine misinformation in eroding trust and contributing to low immunization coverage during that period. —Will Walters, STAT, 23 Apr. 2026 Likewise, based on this advice, insurance companies, Medicaid, and other programs provide coverage for vaccine costs, so child immunization is free for most families. —Professor David R. Hill, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for immunization
Cite this Entry
“Immunization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/immunization. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
immunization
noun
im·mu·ni·za·tion
variants also British immunisation
: the production of immunity in a living organism against a disease or pathogenic agent
also : treatment (as by vaccination) for the purpose of making an organism immune to a disease or pathogenic agent : the administration of an immune-producing substance
immunization against polio
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