herpes

noun

her·​pes ˈhər-(ˌ)pēz 

: any of several inflammatory diseases of the skin caused by herpesviruses and characterized by clusters of vesicles

especially : herpes simplex

herpetic

(ˌ)hər-ˈpe-tik 

adjective

Examples of herpes in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, the implants may have been contaminated with antibiotic-resistant staphylococcus, herpes B virus, and other pathogens. —Justine Calma, The Verge, 9 Feb. 2023

This is especially true if your cat is positive for feline herpes virus. —Dallas News, 22 Dec. 2022

Kelly could be on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars more to pay for herpes treatment and counseling for a second victim once the final tally is calculated. —Tom Hays, USA TODAY, 29 Sep. 2022

Three of the people reported no symptoms, while another reported a painful rash, which was misdiagnosed as herpes. —Brenda Goodman, CNN, 31 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek herpēs, from herpein to creep — more at serpent

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing herpes

• anti-herpes
• genital herpes
• herpes simplex
• herpes zoster

Kids Definition

herpes

noun

her·​pes ˈhər-(ˌ)pēz 

: any of several virus diseases (as herpes simplex) marked by the formation of blisters on the skin or mucous membranes and caused by herpesviruses

Medical Definition

herpes

noun

her·​pes ˈhər-(ˌ)pēz 

: any of several inflammatory diseases of the skin caused by herpesviruses and characterized by clusters of vesicles

especially : herpes simplex