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

Snyder explained that her son was due for the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, in addition to the chickenpox vaccine. — Karen Brown, NPR, 30 July 2026

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends travelers heading there be up to date on routine vaccines (like chickenpox, flu, polio, measles, and more), along with vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid. — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026

Most children instead receive a measles, mumps, and rubella shot (MMR) and a separate vaccine against varicella (chickenpox). — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026

The varicella-zoster virus causes both chickenpox and shingles. — Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 28 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1691, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for chickenpox

• aftershocks
• chatterbox
• equinox
• firebox
• goldilocks
• hollyhocks
• interlocks
• orthodox
• paradox
• tomahawks
• balks
• blocks

Kids Definition

chicken pox

noun

: a contagious virus disease especially of children marked by low fever and a rash or small watery blisters

Medical 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 shingles