Epstein-Barr virus

noun

Ep·​stein-Barr virus ˌep-ˌstīn-ˈbär- 

: a herpesvirus (Lymphocryptovirus humangamma4) that causes infectious mononucleosis and is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma

—abbreviation EBV

Examples of Epstein-Barr virus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The agency has paused testing for 31 diseases as of this week, including rabies, chickenpox and Epstein-Barr virus. — Joseph Choi, The Hill, 6 Apr. 2026

Increasing evidence has also linked the Epstein-Barr virus — a member of the same herpesvirus family — to multiple sclerosis. — Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 20 Dec. 2025

The research, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, tried to unravel why some people who contract the Epstein-Barr virus go on to experience other medical conditions later in life. — Ashleigh Furlong, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026

For Woodruff, The Green Kitchen was born out of her own healing journey after overcoming the Epstein-Barr virus and heavy metal toxicity through mindful eating and nutrient-dense foods. — Wyles Daniel, AZCentral.com, 2 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Michael Anthony Epstein born 1921 and Yvonne M. Barr born 1932 English pathologists

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Epstein-Barr virus

• adenovirus
• baculovirus
• coronavirus
• enterovirus
• poliovirus
• antivirus
• herpesvirus
• parvovirus
• reovirus
• retrovirus
• rhinovirus
• rotavirus

Medical Definition

Epstein-Barr virus

noun

Ep·​stein-Barr virus ˌep-ˌstīn-ˌbär- 

: a herpesvirus (Lymphocryptovirus humangamma4) that causes infectious mononucleosis and is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma

—abbreviation EBV

called also EB virus