scarlet fever

noun

: an acute contagious febrile disease caused by hemolytic Group A streptococci and characterized by inflammation of the nose, throat, and mouth, generalized toxemia, and a red rash

Examples of scarlet fever in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After numerous doctors visits, Jane said Megan was diagnosed with glandular fever, scarlet fever and urine infections. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025

The illness and death of Beth, from complications of scarlet fever contracted from a baby, in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women mirror Alcott’s own sister’s death in 1858, writes pediatrician Perri Klass. —Anna North, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018

Treating strep throat with antibiotics greatly reduces the risk of developing serious complications, such as rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, ear infection, and abscesses (sacs of pus) near the tonsils.73 Cold: Colds can also lead to complications, such as sinus infection, pneumonia, or bronchitis. —Sarah Hudgens, Health, 27 Feb. 2025

Frequently Asked Questions Can scarlet fever go away on its own? —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 15 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1651, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for scarlet fever

• unbeliever
• achiever
• believer
• deceiver
• perceiver
• receiver
• reliever
• retriever
• transceiver
• cleaver
• leaver
• weaver

Kids Definition

scarlet fever

noun

: a contagious disease caused by a bacterium and characterized by fever, swelling, pain in the nose, throat, and mouth, and a red rash

Medical Definition

scarlet fever

noun

scar·​let fever ˈskär-lət- 

: an acute contagious febrile disease caused by Group A bacteria of the genus Streptococcus (especially various strains of S. pyogenes) and characterized by inflammation of the nose, throat, and mouth, generalized toxemia, and a red rash

called also scarlatina