rubella

noun

ru·​bel·​la rü-ˈbe-lə 

: an acute contagious viral disease that is caused by a single-stranded RNA virus (Rubivirus rubellae) and milder than typical measles but is damaging to the fetus when occurring early in pregnancy : german measles

Examples of rubella in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Even though outbreaks are not currently reported for mumps, rubella, pertussis or tetanus, the environment is ripe. — Sheldon H. Jacobson, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are the best protection against the virus. — Laura Fay, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Measles, mumps and rubella protection are combined into one vaccine administered when a baby is between 12 to 15 months old. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2026

Increasing interest in vaccination The CDC currently recommends two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, the first between ages 12 and 15 months and the second between ages 4 and 6. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, feminine of rubellus reddish, from ruber red — more at red

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rubella

• brucella
• candela
• capella
• chlorella
• flagella
• glabella
• lamella
• marcella
• mustela
• novella
• patella
• predella

Kids Definition

rubella

noun

ru·​bel·​la rü-ˈbel-ə 

: german measles

Medical Definition

rubella

noun

ru·​bel·​la rü-ˈbel-ə 

: an acute contagious disease that is milder than typical measles but is damaging to the fetus when occurring early in pregnancy and that is caused by a matonavirus (Rubivirus rubellae) : german measles see maternal rubella