chancre

noun

chan·​cre ˈshaŋ-kər How to pronounce chancre (audio)
: a primary sore or ulcer at the site of entry of a pathogen (as in tularemia)
especially : the initial lesion of syphilis
chancrous
ˈshaŋ-k(ə-)rəs How to pronounce chancre (audio)
adjective

Examples of chancre 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.
Sometimes syphilis presents as a painless chancre, or a round, open sore on your genitals. — Zahra Barnes, SELF, 12 Oct. 2021 Primary syphilis is the first stage, and usually begins with a single sore called a chancre. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 17 Dec. 2025 Syphilis is transmitted from person to person by direct contact with a syphilitic sore, known as a chancre. — Gabriela Miranda, USA TODAY, 16 June 2021 In adults, the most common symptom of early-stage syphilis is a chancre or circular lesion. — Amy Yurkanin | [email protected], al, 1 June 2023 The syphilis-causing bacterium, on the other hand, can be transferred through kissing only via direct contact with active syphilis sores (chancres) in the mouth. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 June 2026 What makes diagnosis challenging is that the chancres will typically disappear without any treatment. — Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 4 May 2023 Untreated, the chancre can disappear and be succeeded a month later by the secondary stage, in which a subtle symmetrical red rash blossoms over the torso, genitals, and, quite uniquely, on the palms and soles (5). — Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 1 Apr. 2016

Word History

Etymology

French, from Old French, from Latin cancer

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chancre was in 1585

Phrases Containing chancre

Browse Nearby Words

chanco
chancre
chancroid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chancre.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chancre. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chancre

noun
chan·​cre ˈshaŋ-kər How to pronounce chancre (audio)
: a sore at the site of entry of an infectious germ (as one causing syphilis)
Etymology

from French chancre "a sore," from Latin cancer "crab, cancer (disease)" — related to cancer, canker

Medical Definition

chancre

noun
chan·​cre ˈshaŋ-kər How to pronounce chancre (audio)
: a primary sore or ulcer at the site of entry of a pathogen (as in tularemia)
especially : the initial lesion of syphilis
chancrous
-k(ə-)rəs How to pronounce chancre (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on chancre

Nglish: Translation of chancre for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chancre

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