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

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Recent clinical trials have suggested that one dose may be as effective as two at preventing human papillomavirus, which causes cervical cancer. —Aria Bendix, NBC news, 7 Jan. 2026

The schedule also recommends one dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) shot, as compared to previously recommending two doses. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 6 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for human papillomavirus

• adenovirus
• baculovirus
• coronavirus
• enterovirus
• poliovirus
• antivirus
• herpesvirus
• parvovirus
• reovirus
• retrovirus
• rhinovirus
• rotavirus

Medical Definition

human papillomavirus

noun

: any of numerous papillomaviruses (genera Alphapapillomavirus, Betapapillomavirus, Gammapapillomavirus, Mupapillomavirus, and Nupapillomavirus) that cause various human papillomas (such as plantar warts and genital warts) including some associated with the production of cervical cancer

called also HPV