-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
chicken pox
noun
: an acute contagious disease especially of children marked by low-grade fever and formation of vesicles and caused by a herpesvirus (species Human herpesvirus 3 of the genus Varicellovirus) compare shingles
Examples of chicken pox in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As was typically the case, Trump offered no further specifics, but all 50 states mandate not only MMR vaccinations, but shots against polio, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus and chicken pox for all schoolchildren.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 19 Nov. 2024
Measles comes with a rash rather than the small bumps associated with chicken pox.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2024
Lingering vaccine hesitancy from the pandemic is evident in pediatricians' offices as more parents opt out of the shots for measles, chicken pox, and whooping cough, among others, using non-medical religious exemptions.
—Megan Morrone, Axios, 18 Sep. 2024
These include Epstein-Barr virus, varicella zoster (chicken pox), and Lyme disease.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 16 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for chicken pox
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1691, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near chicken pox
Cite this Entry
“Chicken pox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chicken%20pox. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
chicken pox
noun
: a contagious virus disease especially of children marked by low fever and a rash or small watery blisters
Medical Definition
chicken pox
noun
: an acute contagious disease especially of children that is marked by low-grade fever and formation of vesicles and that is caused by a herpesvirus of the genus Varicellovirus (species Human herpesvirus 3)
called also varicella
see shinglesMore from Merriam-Webster on chicken pox
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chicken pox
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share