ringworm

noun

ring·​worm ˈriŋ-ˌwərm 

: any of several contagious fungal diseases of the skin, hair, or nails of humans and domestic animals that are characterized by ring-shaped discolored skin patches covered with vesicles and scales

Examples of ringworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Janine fumes at the idea that her plan didn’t work, and Melissa is angrier than ever as the threat of ringworm dampers her after-school date with a man who has an in-ground hot tub. —Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2024

Wash any fabric items that have been in contact with someone suffering from lice, poison ivy or oak, pinkeye, ringworm, etc. frequently in hot water to prevent them from spreading or causing reinfection. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2024

Most cases of beard ringworm require prescription antifungal medicine and an individualized treatment plan. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2024

Additional concerns from reusing towels are skin irritation that can cause eczema or atopic dermatitis flare-ups, fungal infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm, infectious diseases like conjunctivitis (pink eye), norovirus, staph (MRSA), and the spread of E.coli and allergens. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ringworm

noun

ring·​worm ˈriŋ-ˌwərm 

: a contagious skin disease caused by fungi and marked by ring-shaped discolored patches

Medical Definition

ringworm

noun

ring·​worm ˈriŋ-ˌwərm 

: any of several contagious diseases of the skin, hair, or nails of humans and domestic animals caused by fungi (as of the genus Trichophyton) and characterized by ring-shaped discolored patches on the skin that are covered with vesicles and scales

called also tinea