noun
flu
floo
noun
1
A common contagious viral illness causing fever, aches, and fatigue; short for influenza.
"Half the office called in sick with the flu last week."
"Get your flu shot before winter sets in."
How to Use Flu
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA common, unpleasant viral illness that spreads especially in the colder months.
Common mistake
The "stomach flu" is actually usually a different kind of virus (gastroenteritis), not related to influenza at all.
Common pairings
catch the flu
flu shot
flu season
stomach flu
Word Forms
flus plural
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “flu”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Half the office called in sick with the _____ last week.
Etymology
A shortened form of "influenza," itself borrowed from Italian.