dengue

noun

den·​gue ˈdeŋ-gē 

-ˌgā

: an acute infectious disease caused by a flavivirus (serotypes of Orthoflavivirus denguei), transmitted by aedes mosquitoes, and typically characterized by headache, severe joint pain, and a rash but may progress into a more serious illness marked by hemorrhagic symptoms

called also breakbone fever, dengue fever

Examples of dengue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Indonesia’s Tahija Foundation, for example, donated over $17 million over a decade to test the use of Wolbachia bacteria to control dengue fever. —Angelica Ang, Fortune, 25 May 2026

These tips will also protect against other mosquito-borne viruses, like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, for which DSHS has noted a global rise in cases. —Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 20 May 2026

Warmer temperatures expand the range of mosquitoes that carry dengue. —John Drake, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

Various species of mosquitos can spread a number of dangerous diseases, including West Nile virus, Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya, the district said. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

dengue

noun

den·​gue ˈdeŋ-gē  -ˌgā 

: an acute infectious disease that is caused by a flavivirus (serotypes of Orthoflavivirus denguei) transmitted by mosquitos of the genus Aedes and that is typically characterized by headache, severe joint pain, and a rash but may progress to the more severe dengue hemorrhagic fever

called also breakbone fever, dandy fever, dengue fever