ringworm

noun

ring·​worm ˈriŋ-ˌwərm 

: any of several contagious fungal diseases of the skin, hair, or nails of humans and domestic animals that are characterized by ring-shaped discolored skin patches covered with vesicles and scales

Examples of ringworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Those patients had to take the drug for longer than most people with ringworm require, but the infections finally cleared. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 18 June 2024

Two rare ringworm infections affecting the genital area are cropping up in the United States, according to reports published last month. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 18 June 2024

During this time, Kia was also treated for ringworm and an ear infection, both of which have cleared up. —The Arizona Republic, 31 May 2024

But unlike the neat circles typical with other forms of ringworm, the tinea caused by this new fungal infection may be mistaken for lesions caused by eczema, which could cause people not to seek the appropriate treatment right away, the press release said. —Chantelle Lee, TIME, 6 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ringworm

noun

ring·​worm ˈriŋ-ˌwərm 

: a contagious skin disease caused by fungi and marked by ring-shaped discolored patches

Medical Definition

ringworm

noun

ring·​worm ˈriŋ-ˌwərm 

: any of several contagious diseases of the skin, hair, or nails of humans and domestic animals caused by fungi (as of the genus Trichophyton) and characterized by ring-shaped discolored patches on the skin that are covered with vesicles and scales

called also tinea