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

For this meeting, taking place June 25-26, 2025, vaccines for COVID-19, human papillomavirus, influenza and other infectious diseases were on the schedule. —Terri Levien, The Conversation, 25 June 2025

Until last week, the future of vaccination for human papillomavirus, or HPV, in the United States seemed clear. —Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 19 June 2025

The digital ad connects RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccine activism in Samoa to the country’s deadly measles outbreak and notes Kennedy has made millions from lawsuits targeting vaccines, specifically over Gardasil, a vaccine that protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV). —Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 24 Jan. 2025

Of particular interest to Phase Scientific is using urine to test for human papillomavirus (HPV), the cause of almost all cases of cervical cancer globally, per World Health Organization (WHO) statistics. —Cat Wang, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

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

: a double-stranded DNA virus of the genus Papillomavirus (species Human papillomavirus) that has numerous genotypes causing various human warts (as the common warts of the extremities, plantar warts, and genital warts) including some associated with the production of cervical cancer

called also HPV