smallpox

noun

small·​pox ˈsmȯl-ˌpäks 

: an acute contagious febrile disease of humans that is caused by a poxvirus (Orthopoxvirus variola), is characterized by a skin eruption with pustules, sloughing, and scar formation, and has been eradicated globally by widespread vaccination

called also variola

Examples of smallpox in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, the filmmakers were researching how smallpox threatened the Continental Army when the Covid pandemic started. —Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 18 Nov. 2025

George Washington, who commanded the Americans, often made costly mistakes, and soldiers frequently went months without pay or proper food and clothing — even as they were exposed to the elements or the deadly smallpox. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 16 Nov. 2025

Only one virus — smallpox — has been eradicated, meaning that it’s been wiped out worldwide. —Erika Edwards, NBC news, 10 Nov. 2025

Routine smallpox vaccination ended in 1972. —Arthur Allen, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1562, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for smallpox

• botox
• checkbox
• comox
• cornstalks
• cowpox
• crosswalks
• deadlocks
• detox
• feedstocks
• firebox
• gearbox
• hemlocks

Kids Definition

smallpox

noun

small·​pox ˈsmȯl-ˌpäks 

: a sometimes deadly disease that is caused by a virus, is characterized by fever and a skin rash, and is believed to have been wiped out worldwide as a result of vaccination

Medical Definition

smallpox

noun

small·​pox ˈsmȯl-ˌpäks 

: an acute contagious febrile disease of humans that is caused by a poxvirus (Orthopoxvirus variola), is characterized by skin eruption with pustules, sloughing, and scar formation, and has been eradicated globally by widespread vaccination

called also variola

see variola major, variola minor