varicella

noun

var·​i·​cel·​la ˌver-ə-ˈse-lə 

ˌva-rə-

: chickenpox

Examples of varicella in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since then, the Department of Health has started the rulemaking process of repealing requirements for Hepatitis B, varicella (chicken pox), Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines for public school attendance. —Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026

The varicella vaccine was released in the US in 1995, and two doses offer 97 percent protection. —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026

The vaccines the state no longer plans to mandate are varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV15/20). —Cindy Krischer Goodman, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026

Health officials said measles can be prevented with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine or the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine. —Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for varicella

• arabella
• bartonella
• bordetella
• cinderella
• citronella
• columella
• isabella
• klebsiella
• legionella
• mozzarella
• pasteurella
• salmonella

Medical Definition

varicella

noun

var·​i·​cel·​la ˌvar-ə-ˈsel-ə 

: chickenpox