genital herpes

noun

: herpes simplex of the type typically affecting the genitalia

Examples of genital herpes in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), older adults remain at risk for STIs such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and genital herpes. Sophie Okolo, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025 This removed 90 percent of the herpes virus involved in cold sores (and 97 percent of the virus involved in genital herpes). Erica Sweeney, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025 In these places, fewer people are getting oral herpes infections and more getting genital herpes. Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024 Researchers found that more than one in five adults aged 15 to 49 years are living with genital herpes worldwide. Dr. Tal Patalon, Md, Llb, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for genital herpes

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of genital herpes was in 1877

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Cite this Entry

“Genital herpes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genital%20herpes. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

genital herpes

noun
: herpes simplex of the type typically affecting the genitalia

Medical Definition

genital herpes

noun
: herpes simplex of the type affecting the genitals

called also herpes genitalis

More from Merriam-Webster on genital herpes

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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