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HOW TO PRONOUNCE

plague

/plɛɡ/

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American Pronunciation Guide · 1:13
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What does plague mean?

noun

  1. The bubonic plague, the pestilent disease caused by the virulent bacterium Yersinia pestis.
  2. An epidemic or pandemic caused by any pestilence, but especially that caused by the above disease.
  3. A widespread affliction, calamity, or destructive influx, especially when seen as divine retribution.
More meanings (4)

noun

  1. (figuratively) A grave nuisance, whatever greatly irritates.
  2. A group of common grackles (a blackbird), especially when flocking to e.g. parking lots at night.

verb

  1. To harass, pester or annoy someone persistently or incessantly.
  2. To afflict with a disease or other calamity.

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/plɛɡ/

Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

To dream of a plague raging, denotes disappointing returns in business, and your wife or lover will lead you a wretched existence.
Gustavus Hindman MillerTen Thousand Dreams Interpreted; Or, What's in a Dream A Scientific and Practical ExpositionProject Gutenberg ebook #926
Some cats, which were originally turned out to destroy the rats and mice, have increased, so as to become a great plague.
Charles DarwinThe Voyage of the BeagleProject Gutenberg ebook #944
More book examples (3)
When she is tired or convalescent a depressing thought sticks, becomes an obsession, a fixed idea, to the plague of her life.
Abraham MyersonThe Foundations of PersonalityProject Gutenberg ebook #1575
Run to your houses, fall upon your knees, Pray to the gods to intermit the plague That needs must light on this ingratitude.
William ShakespeareThe Complete Works of William ShakespeareProject Gutenberg ebook #100
As the cold weather came on the plague diminished in intensity and the people regained their confidence and returned to the city.
George M. (George Milbrey) Gould; Walter L. (Walter Lytle) PyleAnomalies and Curiosities of MedicineProject Gutenberg ebook #747