coronavirus

American  

[kuh-roh-nuh-vahy-ruhs] / kəˈroʊ nəˌvaɪ rəs /

noun

plural

coronaviruses

1. any of various RNA-containing spherical viruses of the family Coronaviridae, including several that cause acute respiratory illnesses.

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coronavirus British  

/ kəˈrəʊnəˌvaɪrəs /

noun

1. a type of airborne virus accounting for 10-30% of all colds

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Etymology

Origin of coronavirus

First recorded in 1965–70; so called from the coronalike array of spikes projecting from the capsid

Compare meaning

How does coronavirus compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• bubonic plague vs. coronavirus

Example Sentences

During the coronavirus pandemic, she rewatched all of the "Twilight" vampire romance films, which were released from 2008 to 2012, and Bollywood flicks from the 1990s.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

After the coronavirus pandemic canceled Coachella in 2020 and 2021, fans were excited to be back at the polo grounds in 2022.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

Part of the inspiration for the film came out of the lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 13, 2026

The action related to canceled flights between January 2020 and November 2022, when travel restrictions designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus grounded planes and closed borders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

First there was the coronavirus pandemic, leading to the suspension of her studies.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026