ringworm

noun

ring·​worm ˈriŋ-ˌwərm How to pronounce ringworm (audio)
: 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
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.
Later in the episode, it’s slowly revealed that the groom and the bride also have the ringworm rash. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2025 She was also tested for ringworm and tested negative. — Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025 For example, the wild cucumber was used to adhere paint to rocks, treat skin infections such as ringworm, and as a fishing tool, Holton said. — Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026 Contagious fungal infections, such as ringworm, and bacterial infections, like impetigo, can linger on fabric. — Carley Millhone, Health, 2 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ringworm

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ringworm was in the 15th century

Rhymes for ringworm

See All Rhymes for ringworm

Browse Nearby Words

ring winding
ringworm
ringworm bush
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

ringworm

noun
ring·​worm ˈriŋ-ˌwərm How to pronounce ringworm (audio)
: a contagious skin disease caused by fungi and marked by ring-shaped discolored patches

Medical Definition

ringworm

noun
ring·​worm ˈriŋ-ˌwərm How to pronounce ringworm (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on ringworm

Nglish: Translation of ringworm for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ringworm

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