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
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
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
It's given to children in two doses at about 12–15 months and again at 4–6 years, to adults who never had chickenpox or weren’t vaccinated, and to people planning a pregnancy.
—Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 6 Apr. 2026
Symptoms of chickenpox typically appear between 10 and 21 days after being exposed to the virus.
—Mike Darnay, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Scientists also plan to monitor dormant viruses that can reactivate during spaceflight, including those related to chickenpox and shingles, a reaction that has been previously observed aboard the ISS.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 1 Apr. 2026
The vaccines the state no longer plans to mandate are for varicella, or chickenpox; Hepatitis B; Haemophilus influenzae type b, or Hib; and Pneumococcal conjugate, or PCV15/20.
—Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
It’s also known as herpes zoster, and refers to a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 23 Feb. 2026
In addition to the requirements in law, the Florida Department of Health has vaccination requirements for hepatitis B; varicella, commonly known as chickenpox; Haemophilus influenza type b, or Hib, which can cause meningitis; and pneumococcal conjugate, which can cause pneumonia and meningitis.
—Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026
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Paris Barraza, USA Today, 17 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
It's given to children in two doses at about 12–15 months and again at 4–6 years, to adults who never had chickenpox or weren’t vaccinated, and to people planning a pregnancy.
—Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 6 Apr. 2026
Symptoms of chickenpox typically appear between 10 and 21 days after being exposed to the virus.
—Mike Darnay, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Scientists also plan to monitor dormant viruses that can reactivate during spaceflight, including those related to chickenpox and shingles, a reaction that has been previously observed aboard the ISS.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 1 Apr. 2026
The vaccines the state no longer plans to mandate are for varicella, or chickenpox; Hepatitis B; Haemophilus influenzae type b, or Hib; and Pneumococcal conjugate, or PCV15/20.
—Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
It’s also known as herpes zoster, and refers to a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 23 Feb. 2026
In addition to the requirements in law, the Florida Department of Health has vaccination requirements for hepatitis B; varicella, commonly known as chickenpox; Haemophilus influenza type b, or Hib, which can cause meningitis; and pneumococcal conjugate, which can cause pneumonia and meningitis.
—Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chickenpox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chickenpox. Accessed 21 Apr. 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
