varicella

noun

var·​i·​cel·​la ˌver-ə-ˈse-lə 

ˌva-rə-

: chickenpox

Examples of varicella in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Department of Health has started the rulemaking process of repealing requirements for Hepatitis B, varicella (chicken pox), Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines for public school attendance. —Ana Goñi-Lessan, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026

In an ideal world, Moffat says, kids would continue getting the varicella vaccine as it’s currently administered, and then, around age 30, get vaccinated against shingles. —Angela Haupt, Time, 23 Feb. 2026

Measles can be prevented with the measles-containing vaccine, which is primarily administered as the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) or measles-mumps-varicella-rubella (MMVR) vaccine. —Doris Alvarez Cea, Florida Times-Union, 6 Feb. 2026

Both schedules recommend that all children be vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV) and varicella (better known as chickenpox). —Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from vari- (in variola variola) + Medieval Latin -cella, diminutive suffix (extracted from nouns such as nāvicella, diminutive of Latin nāvicula "boat," diminutive of nāvis "ship")

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for varicella

• arabella
• bartonella
• bordetella
• cinderella
• citronella
• columella
• isabella
• klebsiella
• legionella
• mozzarella
• pasteurella
• salmonella

Medical Definition

varicella

noun

var·​i·​cel·​la ˌvar-ə-ˈsel-ə 

: chickenpox