chickenpox

noun

chick·​en·​pox ˈchi-kᵊn-ˌpäks How to pronounce chickenpox (audio)
variants or less commonly chicken pox
: an acute contagious disease especially of children marked by low-grade fever and formation of vesicles (see vesicle sense 1b) and caused by a herpesvirus (Varicellovirus humanalpha3) compare shingles

Examples of chickenpox 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.
The virus can lie dormant in our nerves for decades after a bout of chickenpox, only to be reawakened by stress. — Cassie Shortsleeve, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Apr. 2026 The infection is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus behind chickenpox. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026 The varicella-zoster virus causes both chickenpox and shingles. — Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 28 June 2026 For the rest of us — especially anyone over 50 who once had chickenpox — the virus is still there, waiting. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chickenpox

Word History

First Known Use

1691, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chickenpox was in 1691

Rhymes for chickenpox

See All Rhymes for chickenpox

Browse Nearby Words

chicken pest
chickenpox
chicken pull
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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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

chickenpox

noun
chick·​en·​pox ˈchik-ən-ˌpäks How to pronounce chickenpox (audio)
variants also chicken pox
: an acute contagious disease especially of children that is marked by low-grade fever and formation of vesicles (see vesicle sense 2) and that is caused by a herpesvirus (Varicellovirus humanalpha3)

called also varicella

see shingles
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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