noun Uncommon

measles

MEE-zulz

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Measles (noun) means a highly contagious viral illness, common in children, that causes a red rash, fever, a runny nose, coughing and red eyes. Example: “The child was kept off school because she had measles.”

noun

A highly contagious viral illness, common in children, that causes a red rash, fever, a runny nose, coughing and red eyes.

"The child was kept off school because she had measles."

"Vaccination protects people against measles."

"The doctor said the rash was a typical sign of the measles."

How to use measles

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA contagious childhood illness that gives you a red rash and a fever.

When to use it

Neutral, and used in both everyday and medical writing.

Memory tip

Although it ends in -s, measles takes a singular verb, so say "measles is" rather than "measles are".

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

catch measles a measles outbreak a measles vaccine a case of measles a measles rash

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “measles” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The child was kept off school because she had _____.

Etymology

The word probably comes from Middle Dutch masels or Middle Low German maselen, both meaning blood blisters or red blemishes. These in turn go back to Old High German masala, meaning a blood blister.

Origin: Middle Dutch

Synonyms

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rubeola morbilli

Frequently asked questions

What causes measles?

Measles is caused by a virus called Measles morbillivirus. It is a highly contagious illness.

Is measles singular or plural?

The word looks plural, but it takes a singular verb, as in "measles is spreading". It is usually used with the, as in "the measles".

What are the symptoms of measles?

The illness causes red rashes, fever, a runny nose, coughing and red eyes.

What is the meaning of measles?

"measles" (noun) means a highly contagious viral illness, common in children, that causes a red rash, fever, a runny nose, coughing and red eyes.