human papillomavirus
noun
: any of numerous papillomaviruses (as of the genera Alphapapillomavirus, Betapapillomavirus, and Gammapapillomavirus) that cause various human papillomas (such as genital warts and plantar warts) and include some associated with the production of human cancer
—abbreviation HPV
Examples of human papillomavirus in a Sentence
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In fact, most cervical cancers are caused by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can live in the body for years without symptoms and can often be prevented with the HPV vaccine.
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Essence, 27 Jan. 2026
Both schedules recommend that all children be vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV) and varicella (better known as chickenpox).
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Vaccinations against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV) and chickenpox remain recommended for all children.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
The vaccinations that the federal government continues to recommend for all children prevent against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B, pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV) and varicella (chickenpox).
—Dené K. Dryden, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026
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Essence, 27 Jan. 2026
Both schedules recommend that all children be vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV) and varicella (better known as chickenpox).
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Vaccinations against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV) and chickenpox remain recommended for all children.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
The vaccinations that the federal government continues to recommend for all children prevent against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B, pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV) and varicella (chickenpox).
—Dené K. Dryden, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for human papillomavirus
Cite this Entry
“Human papillomavirus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/human%20papillomavirus. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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