pandemic

/pænˈdɛmɪk/noun

A disease that spreads across many countries and infects a very large share of the population.

Example sentences

“Airports around the world tightened health checks during the pandemic.”
“The pandemic forced many offices to let staff work from home.”

An epidemic is regional; a pandemic crosses countries or continents. The 'pan' is Greek for all.

Synonyms for pandemic

global epidemic

Often confused with pandemic

pandemic vs epidemic: epidemic (noun): An outbreak of disease that spreads rapidly and affects large numbers of people at the same time.

Related words

outbreakThe sudden start or rapid spread of something unpleasant, such as a disease.virusA tiny germ, much smaller than bacteria, that gets into living cells and causes diseases such as colds and flu.quarantineA period of keeping people, animals, or plants separated from others to stop a disease from spreading.bacteriaVery small living things, each made of a single cell, found almost everywhere; some cause disease and others are helpful.sterileCompletely free of germs and other living microorganisms.germA tiny living thing, such as a bacterium or virus, that can cause illness.