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sickener

American  
[sik-uh-ner] / ˈsɪk ə nər /

noun

  1. something that sickens or disgusts.


sickener British  
/ ˈsɪkənə /

noun

  1. something that induces sickness or nausea

  2. a bright red basidiomycetous fungus of either of two species of Russula, notably the poisonous R. emetica

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of sickener

First recorded in 1800–10; sicken + -er 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

At that stage, nine games in, Manchester City's lead at the top was just three points but the true sickener for Chelsea was the 1-0 loss at home to struggling Everton.

From BBC Jan. 24, 2026

Nottingham Forest's defeat by Brighton on Sunday was a bit of a sickener for Sean Dyche, because he had made such a good start there.

From BBC Dec. 1, 2025

The winner was completely deserved but it was a sickener for Rangers.

From BBC Apr. 29, 2022

Burnley are also coming off the back of a loss to Tottenham Hotspur, theirs a last-minute sickener in the Premier League last weekend.

From The Guardian Dec. 22, 2018

Jove, it was a sickener, though there were some fine moments, I admit; and I can understand how Spaniards, brought up to understand every stroke, every move, think it fine sport.

From The Car of Destiny by Both, Armand

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