herpesvirus
noun
her·pes·vi·rus
ˌhər-(ˌ)pēz-ˈvī-rəs 
plural herpesviruses
: any of a family (Orthoherpesviridae) of double-stranded DNA viruses that include the cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus and the causative agents of chickenpox, herpes simplex, Marek's disease, roseola infantum, and shingles
Examples of herpesvirus in a Sentence
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Because of an outbreak of equine herpesvirus, a contagious equine virus that can cause neurological and respiratory diseases, the decision was made to not have any horses or other equines in the parade.
—
Tracy Trobridge, Baltimore Sun, 4 Jan. 2026
Increasing evidence has also linked the Epstein-Barr virus — a member of the same herpesvirus family — to multiple sclerosis.
—Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 20 Dec. 2025
The Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade, which was scheduled for Dec. 6, was canceled as a result of an outbreak of equine herpesvirus (EHV) affecting horses in eight states across the country, according to a news release from the board of directors for the parade.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 26 Nov. 2025
Eye infections are a leading cause, particularly conjunctivitis, often linked to viruses like feline herpesvirus, or bacteria and fungi.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
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Tracy Trobridge, Baltimore Sun, 4 Jan. 2026
Increasing evidence has also linked the Epstein-Barr virus — a member of the same herpesvirus family — to multiple sclerosis.
—Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 20 Dec. 2025
The Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade, which was scheduled for Dec. 6, was canceled as a result of an outbreak of equine herpesvirus (EHV) affecting horses in eight states across the country, according to a news release from the board of directors for the parade.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 26 Nov. 2025
Eye infections are a leading cause, particularly conjunctivitis, often linked to viruses like feline herpesvirus, or bacteria and fungi.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for herpesvirus
Cite this Entry
“Herpesvirus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herpesvirus. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
herpesvirus
noun
her·pes·vi·rus
ˌhər-(ˌ)pēz-ˈvī-rəs
: any of a group of viruses that contain DNA and cause herpes
Medical Definition
herpesvirus
noun
her·pes·vi·rus
-ˈvī-rəs
: any of a family Orthoherpesviridae of double-stranded DNA viruses
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