herpes simplex
noun
herpes sim·plex
-ˈsim-ˌpleks 
: either of two diseases caused by herpesviruses (Simplexvirus humanalpha1 and S. humanalpha2) and marked especially by watery blisters on the skin or mucous membranes of the lips, mouth, face, or genital region
Examples of herpes simplex in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Genital herpes: These sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
—
Heidi Cope, Health, 23 Aug. 2025
Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1, or HSV-1, which is easily transmitted by direct contact from one person’s oral area to another person’s genitals.
—Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025
An artist's impression of the herpes simplex virus.
—Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Of the groups studied, 1,507 people with Alzheimer’s also had herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is the most common cause of cold sores.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for herpes simplex
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Heidi Cope, Health, 23 Aug. 2025
Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1, or HSV-1, which is easily transmitted by direct contact from one person’s oral area to another person’s genitals.
—Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025
An artist's impression of the herpes simplex virus.
—Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Of the groups studied, 1,507 people with Alzheimer’s also had herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is the most common cause of cold sores.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for herpes simplex
Cite this Entry
“Herpes simplex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herpes%20simplex. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
herpes simplex
noun
herpes sim·plex
-ˈsim-ˌpleks
: either of two kinds of herpes marked in one case by groups of watery blisters on the skin and mucous membranes (as of the mouth and lips) above the waist and in the other by such blisters on the genitalia
Medical Definition
herpes simplex
noun
herpes sim·plex
-ˈsim-ˌpleks
: either of two viral diseases caused by herpesviruses of the genus Simplexvirus that are marked especially by watery blisters on the skin or mucous membranes of the lips, mouth, face, or genital region see hsv-1, hsv-2
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