varicella

noun

var·​i·​cel·​la ˌver-ə-ˈse-lə How to pronounce varicella (audio)
ˌva-rə-
: chickenpox

Examples of varicella 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 infection is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus behind chickenpox. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026 One example is shingles, which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus behind chickenpox. — Cassie Shortsleeve, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Apr. 2026 The varicella-zoster virus causes both chickenpox and shingles. — Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 28 June 2026 The varicella-zoster virus spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with fluid from the blisters or by breathing in particles from them. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for varicella

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from vari- (in variola variola) + Medieval Latin -cella, diminutive suffix (extracted from nouns such as nāvicella, diminutive of Latin nāvicula "boat," diminutive of nāvis "ship")

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of varicella was in 1771

Rhymes for varicella

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Browse Nearby Words

varic-
varicella
varicellate
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Cite this Entry

“Varicella.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/varicella. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

varicella

noun
var·​i·​cel·​la ˌvar-ə-ˈsel-ə How to pronounce varicella (audio)
: chickenpox

More from Merriam-Webster on varicella

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about varicella

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