smallpox

noun

small·​pox ˈsmȯl-ˌpäks How to pronounce smallpox (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Chile, researchers recently discovered ancient smallpox DNA in two centuries-old mummies, providing the first genetic evidence of the disease in that region of South America. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026 For example, in 1894, Massachusetts created a public drug manufacturer and research lab known as MassBiologics, which has produced vaccines for smallpox, tetanus, typhoid, and pertussis, among other biologic products. — Joel Dodge, STAT, 14 Oct. 2026 The native people of this region were not wiped out by smallpox and instead established an independent kingdom that blends a traditional monarchy with Catholicism, thanks to the efforts of some earlier missionaries. — John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026 Orthopoxviruses are associated with smallpox and Mpox, which caused a global outbreak in 2022. — Greta Reich, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smallpox

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1562, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of smallpox was circa 1562

Rhymes for smallpox

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Browse Nearby Words

small potatoes
smallpox
smallpox plant
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Cite this Entry

“Smallpox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smallpox. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

smallpox

noun
small·​pox ˈsmȯl-ˌpäks How to pronounce smallpox (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce smallpox (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on smallpox

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about smallpox

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