varicella

noun

var·​i·​cel·​la ˌver-ə-ˈse-lə 

ˌva-rə-

: chickenpox

Examples of varicella in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Shingles is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that causes chicken pox. —Ashley Milne-Tyte, NPR, 6 Apr. 2026

The vaccines the state no longer plans to mandate are for varicella, or chickenpox; Hepatitis B; Haemophilus influenzae type b, or Hib; and Pneumococcal conjugate, or PCV15/20. —Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026

Health officials said measles can be safely prevented with a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (also known as an MMR vaccine) or a measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026

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

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