chickenpox
noun
chick·en·pox
ˈchi-kᵊn-ˌpäks 
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
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
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash, according to Mayo Clinic, and it’s caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus responsible for chickenpox.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 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
The infection is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus behind chickenpox.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
But 4 of the childhood vaccines — against meningitis, chickenpox and hepatitis B — are regulated by the state department of health.
—Kerry Sheridan, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026
Since its debut, chickenpox cases—and complications—have declined dramatically.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026
These include the herpes viruses that cause chickenpox and shingles.
—Scott E. Solomon, STAT, 22 Apr. 2026
Children who are 12 months through 12 years old may be given the MMRV vaccine, which also protects against chickenpox, according to the CDC.
—Paris Barraza, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026
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Cassie Shortsleeve, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Apr. 2026
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash, according to Mayo Clinic, and it’s caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus responsible for chickenpox.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 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
The infection is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus behind chickenpox.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
But 4 of the childhood vaccines — against meningitis, chickenpox and hepatitis B — are regulated by the state department of health.
—Kerry Sheridan, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026
Since its debut, chickenpox cases—and complications—have declined dramatically.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026
These include the herpes viruses that cause chickenpox and shingles.
—Scott E. Solomon, STAT, 22 Apr. 2026
Children who are 12 months through 12 years old may be given the MMRV vaccine, which also protects against chickenpox, according to the CDC.
—Paris Barraza, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chickenpox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chickenpox. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
chickenpox
noun
chick·en·pox
ˈchik-ən-ˌpäks
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 shinglesLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
