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

Neither the anti-fungal shampoo, which is also used to treat athlete’s foot and ringworm, nor the topical solution are FDA-approved for hair loss, but have shown promise as adjunctive therapies and are among many tools a dermatologist may use to help a patient. —Maria Yagoda, Vox, 9 May 2025

Mills said found cats can also have ringworm, fleas and a host of contagions other than bird flu. —Jia H. Jung, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025

These symptoms may be signs of health conditions that need treatment, such as head lice, ringworm, psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, or thyroid conditions. —Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025

Unfortunately, there's no instant cure for ringworm. —Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 6 Mar. 2025

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