booster dose: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium to High (context-dependent)Technical/Medical, Journalistic, Informal (metaphoric use)
Quick answer
What does “booster dose” mean?
An additional administration of a vaccine, given after the initial course, to maintain or renew immunity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An additional administration of a vaccine, given after the initial course, to maintain or renew immunity.
Any supplementary dose or measure intended to enhance, renew, or strengthen an effect, performance, or capability, often used metaphorically in non-medical contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'booster dose' equally. 'Booster shot' is a common, more informal synonym, especially in American English. British English may slightly prefer 'booster jab' in informal contexts.
Connotations
Identical. Carries associations of public health, science, and personal protection. In metaphorical use, implies a necessary top-up.
Frequency
Frequency spiked dramatically during 2021-2022. Remains high in health discourse but lower in general use. Metaphorical use is emerging but not yet dominant.
Grammar
How to Use “booster dose” in a Sentence
receive/get a booster dose (of something)administer/give someone a booster dosebe eligible/ due for a booster dosea booster dose of [vaccine type]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “booster dose” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The clinic will booster eligible patients next month. (informal/emerging use)
American English
- We need to booster the workforce with new training. (metaphorical, informal)
adjective
British English
- The booster-dose programme is rolling out to over-50s.
American English
- She is now booster-dose eligible according to the CDC.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, but possible metaphorically: 'The new investment was a booster dose for the struggling division.'
Academic
Common in medical, public health, and epidemiological literature.
Everyday
Common in discussions of personal health, travel requirements, and pandemic news.
Technical
Standard term in immunology, vaccinology, and clinical practice guidelines.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “booster dose”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “booster dose”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “booster dose”
- Using 'booster' as a verb for the action (*'I need to booster' is incorrect; use 'get a booster'). Confusing 'booster dose' with the complete 'primary vaccination course'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A 'third dose' is part of the primary series for some immunocompromised people. A 'booster dose' is given after the primary series is complete, to enhance waning immunity.
Yes, in context. 'I'm going for my booster' is perfectly understood in informal and medical settings. 'Booster dose' is the full, clear term.
Primarily, but it's increasingly used metaphorically for anything that revitalises or strengthens (e.g., a booster dose of funding).
They are synonyms. 'Booster shot' is slightly more informal and colloquial, while 'booster dose' is the standard term in medical communication.
An additional administration of a vaccine, given after the initial course, to maintain or renew immunity.
Booster dose is usually technical/medical, journalistic, informal (metaphoric use) in register.
Booster dose: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbuːstə dəʊs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbuːstər doʊs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[metaphorical] a booster dose of confidence/reality/motivation”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a rocket BOOSTER giving it extra power to go further. A BOOSTER DOSE gives your immune system extra power to protect you longer.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMUNITY IS A FORCE/LEVEL THAT CAN BE TOPPED UP (like a phone battery or a fuel tank).
Practice
Quiz
In a non-medical context, what might 'a booster dose of motivation' mean?