pandemic

American  

[pan-dem-ik] / pænˈdɛm ɪk /

adjective

1. (of a disease) prevalent throughout an entire country, continent, or the whole world; epidemic over a large area.

2. general; universal.

   pandemic fear of atomic war.

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noun

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

pandemic British  

/ pænˈdɛmɪk /

adjective

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

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noun

1. a pandemic disease

pandemic Scientific  

/ păn-dĕm′ĭk /

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

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pandemic Cultural  

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

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Other Word Forms

• interpandemic adjective
• pandemia noun
• pandemicity noun

Etymology

Origin of pandemic

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-

Example Sentences

The pandemic, with its shift to remote work, was a boon for these quiet employees.

From The Wall Street Journal

At Jeep, where sales plummeted during the pandemic in part because of high pricing, lowering prices by thousands of dollars on many vehicles is allowing it to target a wider range of customers.

From The Wall Street Journal

The pandemic was great for introverts, sourdough bread enthusiasts, and retail stocks.

From Barron's

Since the pandemic, they have faced more poor behaviour and greater numbers of pupils with complex needs, Unison said.

From BBC

The North last year permitted Russian tourists to return for the first time since the pandemic and Western tour operators briefly returned in February this year.

From Barron's