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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For example, a range of different infectious pathogens and diseases can lead to different chronic medical conditions such as COVID-19 leading to long COVID, human papillomavirus to cervical cancer, Helicobacter pylori to stomach ulcers and cancer, Epstein-Barr Virus to lymphoma. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 The virus is related to the human papillomavirus, but SPV is not currently known to affect humans, although experts still advise that humans should stay away from any wild rabbits with the virus. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025 His research proved that a virus could cause cancer in a mammal, laying the groundwork for later studies linking human papillomavirus (HPV) to cervical cancer and helping guide the development of HPV vaccines. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 14 Aug. 2025 It has since been used as a model to help scientists study the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which can similarly cause genital warts and lead to certain types of cancer. Angela Haupt, Time, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for human papillomavirus

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of human papillomavirus was in 1952

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Human papillomavirus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/human%20papillomavirus. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on human papillomavirus

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!