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

The publication reported that insurance companies' profits soared during the pandemic as more people stayed home and did not seek medical care, leading to fewer claims.

From Salon

And since years have now passed since the pandemic lockdowns, the film provides an opportunity to reflect.

From BBC

Reducing the backlog of operations created by Covid was the Welsh government's top priority after the pandemic.

From BBC

He said the cycle lane was introduced at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic to create "safe cycle routes for people".

From BBC

Things had been a challenge soon after she joined the school, with the global pandemic lockdown coming just months after her appointment.

From BBC