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
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.
But being vigilant and seeking medical attention at the first sign of the illness—which is caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same culprit behind chicken pox—can make a big difference in your recovery. Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 9 Apr. 2025 Shingles is caused by varicella-zoster, the same virus that causes chicken pox. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Apr. 2025 That group includes Varicella zoster, the virus that causes both chicken pox and—potentially many years after— shingles, an extremely painful rash. John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2025 This virus causes chicken pox and, in later life, shingles. Rich Haridy, New Atlas, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chicken pox

Word History

First Known Use

1691, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chicken pox was in 1691

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Cite this Entry

“Chicken pox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chicken%20pox. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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 shingles

More from Merriam-Webster on chicken pox

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