pneumonia

American  

[noo-mohn-yuh, -moh-nee-uh, nyoo-] / nʊˈmoʊn yə, -ˈmoʊ ni ə, nyʊ- /

noun

Pathology.

1. inflammation of the lungs with congestion.

2. Also called lobar pneumonia.  an acute disease of the lungs, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae and characterized by fever, a cough with blood-tinged phlegm, and difficult breathing.

---

pneumonia British  

/ njuːˈməʊnɪə /

noun

1. inflammation of one or both lungs, in which the air sacs (alveoli) become filled with liquid, which renders them useless for breathing. It is usually caused by bacterial (esp pneumococcal) or viral infection

---

pneumonia Scientific  

/ n-mōn′yə /

1. An acute or chronic disease marked by inflammation of the lungs, especially an infectious disease caused by viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens, such as mycoplasmas. Individuals with pneumonia often have abnormal chest x-rays that show areas with fluid in the infected part of the lungs.

---

pneumonia Cultural  

1. A disease characterized by inflammation of the lungs. Pneumonia can be caused by many factors, including bacterial infections, viral infections, and the inhalation of chemical irritants.

---

Etymology

Origin of pneumonia

First recorded in 1595–1605; from New Latin, from Greek pneumonía; equivalent to pneumon- + -ia

Compare meaning

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

• atelectasis vs. pneumonia
• pleurisy vs. pneumonia
• ammonia vs. pneumonia

Example Sentences

Coerte Voorhees had tapped Kilmer, who died of pneumonia last year after years of battling throat cancer, for "As Deep as the Grave," about the pioneering archaeologist Ann Morris, a co-discoverer of the Anasazi civilization.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

Anyone can contract human metapneumovirus, but those who are immunocompromised or have other underlying medical conditions are at particular risk of developing severe disease — including pneumonia.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

Officially, the buried children were listed as having died of tuberculosis, pneumonia, or exhaustion, between 1877 and 1939.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

A common respiratory bacterium that typically causes pneumonia and sinus infections may also play a role in Alzheimer's disease.

From Science Daily • Feb. 21, 2026

He would keep it hot, I cold, and either’s comfort is the other’s pneumonia.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin