rubella

noun

ru·​bel·​la rü-ˈbe-lə 

: an acute contagious viral disease that is caused by a single-stranded RNA virus (Rubivirus rubellae) and milder than typical measles but is damaging to the fetus when occurring early in pregnancy : german measles

Examples of rubella in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The measles vaccine is given as part of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 18 Feb. 2026

Preventing measles Protection from measles is included in the shot for measles, mumps and rubella, known as the MMR vaccine, which is typically given to children in two doses, one at 12 to 15 months and another at 4 to 6 years old, according to the CDC. —Laura Fay, CBS News, 15 Feb. 2026

Kindergarten measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage now sits at roughly 88% — well below the 95% level needed to suppress transmission in a community. —Josh M. Shepherd, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026

Most vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella do not contain thimerosal. —Matt Brown, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, feminine of rubellus reddish, from ruber red — more at red

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rubella

• brucella
• candela
• capella
• chlorella
• flagella
• glabella
• lamella
• marcella
• mustela
• novella
• patella
• predella

Kids Definition

rubella

noun

ru·​bel·​la rü-ˈbel-ə 

: german measles

Medical Definition

rubella

noun

ru·​bel·​la rü-ˈbel-ə 

: an acute contagious disease that is milder than typical measles but is damaging to the fetus when occurring early in pregnancy and that is caused by a matonavirus (Rubivirus rubellae) : german measles see maternal rubella