smallpox

noun

small·​pox ˈsmȯl-ˌpäks 

: an acute contagious febrile disease of humans that is caused by a poxvirus (species Variola virus of the genus Orthopoxvirus), is characterized by a skin eruption with pustules, sloughing, and scar formation, and is believed to have been eradicated globally by widespread vaccination

called also variola

Examples of smallpox in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its achievements include eradicating smallpox and bringing polio to the brink of elimination. —Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

After smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980, vaccinations ended worldwide and mpox reports began to increase. —Byjon Cohen, science.org, 9 Dec. 2024

On this day in 1979: Scientists declared that smallpox had been eradicated about a dozen years after the World Health Organization intensified its vaccination push and prior requirements in many countries in the Americas and Europe. —Mark Jones, The Arizona Republic, 9 Dec. 2024

But after reviewing the growing body of scientific evidence, Franklin—who tragically lost his unvaccinated son to smallpox—became a vocal advocate for vaccination. —Michael Sheldrick, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1562, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

smallpox

noun

small·​pox ˈsmȯl-ˌpäks 

: a sometimes deadly disease that is caused by a virus, is characterized by fever and a skin rash, and is believed to have been wiped out worldwide as a result of vaccination

Medical Definition

smallpox

noun

small·​pox ˈsmȯl-ˌpäks 

: an acute contagious febrile disease of humans that is caused by a poxvirus of the genus Orthopoxvirus (species Variola virus), is characterized by skin eruption with pustules, sloughing, and scar formation, and is believed to have been eradicated globally by widespread vaccination

called also variola

see variola major, variola minor