pox

1 of 2

noun

ˈpäks 

plural pox or poxes

1

a

: a virus disease (such as chickenpox) characterized by pustules or eruptions

b

archaic : smallpox

c

: syphilis

2

: a disastrous evil : plague, curse

a pox on him

poxy

ˈpäk-sē 

adjective

pox

2 of 2

verb

poxed; poxing; poxes

transitive verb

archaic

: to infect with a pox and especially with syphilis

Examples of pox in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The mini bar—located inside a gorgeous wooden cabinet—was filled with local spirits like pox, a Mayan liquor made of corn, sugar cane, and wheat, and Mayalen Guerrero mezcal in a bottle so beautiful I was tempted to sneak it back in my suitcase. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026

The affected data include childhood immunization rates against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella, hepatitis, chicken pox and flu; and rates for 13 year olds and expectant mothers. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Their limited time together is so important that Ryan throws caution to the wind and contracts chicken pox from an ill Phoebe. — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 10 June 2026

Why Regular Cleaning Is Important Bacterial diseases like conjunctivitis and avian pox can spread through saliva and bird droppings, warns Manning. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 5 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

alteration of pocks, plural of pock

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1601, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pox

• chicken pox

Rhymes for pox

• balks
• blocks
• blocs
• box
• chalks
• chocks
• clocks
• cocks
• cox
• crocks
• docks
• docs

Kids Definition

pox

noun

ˈpäks

: a disease (as chicken pox) that is caused by a virus and produces a rash on the skin

Medical Definition

pox

noun

ˈpäks 

plural pox or poxes

1

: a viral disease (such as chickenpox) characterized by pustules or eruptions

2

archaic : smallpox

3

: syphilis