cowpox

noun

cow·​pox ˈkau̇-ˌpäks How to pronounce cowpox (audio)
: a mild eruptive disease of the cow that is caused by a poxvirus (Orthopoxvirus cowpox) and that when communicated to humans protects against smallpox

Examples of cowpox 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.
Jenner inoculated an 8-year-old boy using matter from a cowpox sore on the hand of a milkmaid. — Chris Mueller, Austin American-Statesman, 29 Nov. 2024 The immunization had been successful, supporting conventional wisdom that those who survived cowpox seemed to be immune to smallpox disease. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2024 Convinced by anecdotes of farmworkers who had contracted cowpox and not smallpox, Edward Jenner hypothesized the cowpox protected them. — USA Today, 6 May 2026 In 1796, English physician Edward Jenner successfully inoculated 8-year-old James Phipps against smallpox by using cowpox matter. — Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for cowpox

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cowpox was in 1798

Rhymes for cowpox

See All Rhymes for cowpox

Browse Nearby Words

cow pony
cowpox
cowpuncher
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

cowpox

noun
cow·​pox ˈkau̇-ˌpäks How to pronounce cowpox (audio)
: a mild disease of the cow that is caused by a virus and that when passed on to human beings produces a temporary rash and protects against smallpox

Medical Definition

cowpox

noun
cow·​pox ˈkau̇-ˌpäks How to pronounce cowpox (audio)
: a mild eruptive disease of the cow that is caused by a poxvirus (Orthopoxvirus cowpox) and that when communicated to humans protects against smallpox

called also variola vaccinia

More from Merriam-Webster on cowpox

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cowpox

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