rubella

noun

ru·​bel·​la rü-ˈbe-lə 

: an acute contagious viral disease that is caused by a single-stranded RNA virus (Rubivirus rubellae) and milder than typical measles but is damaging to the fetus when occurring early in pregnancy : german measles

Examples of rubella in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The vaccine is known as the MMR vaccine, or the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. — Paris Barraza, USA Today, 18 June 2026

The two-shot measles, mumps and rubella vaccine series is 97% effective at preventing measles if a person is exposed and cases are typically milder in vaccinated people. — Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 13 June 2026

In 1971, the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine became available, protecting against all three contagious viral diseases in a single shot. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026

The affected data include childhood immunization rates against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella, hepatitis, chicken pox and flu; and rates for 13 year olds and expectant mothers. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, feminine of rubellus reddish, from ruber red — more at red

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rubella

• brucella
• candela
• capella
• chlorella
• flagella
• glabella
• lamella
• marcella
• mustela
• novella
• patella
• predella

Kids Definition

rubella

noun

ru·​bel·​la rü-ˈbel-ə 

: german measles

Medical Definition

rubella

noun

ru·​bel·​la rü-ˈbel-ə 

: an acute contagious disease that is milder than typical measles but is damaging to the fetus when occurring early in pregnancy and that is caused by a matonavirus (Rubivirus rubellae) : german measles see maternal rubella