noun
Uncommon
herpes
HUR-peez
Herpes (noun) means a viral infection that causes painful, fluid-filled blisters on the skin, mouth, or genitals. Example: “The doctor prescribed antiviral medication to manage his herpes outbreaks.”
noun
1
A viral infection that causes painful, fluid-filled blisters on the skin, mouth, or genitals.
"The doctor prescribed antiviral medication to manage his herpes outbreaks."
How to use herpes
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA common viral infection causing recurring blisters, often on the lips or genitals.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like herpes.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- herpeses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The doctor prescribed antiviral medication to manage his _____ outbreaks.
Etymology
From Greek hérpēs, literally "a creeping," from hérpein ("to creep") — a reference to how the blisters spread across the skin.
Synonyms
View more →
herpes virus
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of herpes?
"herpes" (noun) means a viral infection that causes painful, fluid-filled blisters on the skin, mouth, or genitals.
What is another word for herpes?
Other words for "herpes" include herpes virus.
How do you use herpes in a sentence?
Example: "The doctor prescribed antiviral medication to manage his herpes outbreaks."
