smallpox

noun

small·​pox ˈsmȯl-ˌpäks 

: an acute contagious febrile disease of humans that is caused by a poxvirus (species Variola virus of the genus Orthopoxvirus), is characterized by a skin eruption with pustules, sloughing, and scar formation, and is believed to have been eradicated globally by widespread vaccination

called also variola

Examples of smallpox in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By 1900, nearly half of the states had a smallpox vaccine requirement. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025

In the 20th century, vaccines were used to eradicate diseases such as smallpox. —Kirby Wilson, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025

In the Winter of 1777, General George Washington ordered the inoculation of the Continental Army against smallpox. —Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

Eradicating a disease — only done once before with smallpox — is a monumental public health initiative and its final phase has proven to be the toughest. —Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 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 of the genus Orthopoxvirus (species Variola virus), is characterized by skin eruption with pustules, sloughing, and scar formation, and is believed to have been eradicated globally by widespread vaccination

called also variola

see variola major, variola minor