noun
shingles
SHIHNG-guhlz
Shingles (noun) means a painful viral infection causing a blistering rash, caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Example: “She was put on antiviral medication to treat her shingles.”
noun
1
A painful viral infection causing a blistering rash, caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus.
"She was put on antiviral medication to treat her shingles."
How to use shingles
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA painful skin condition caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, which can reactivate later in life.
Common mistake
Not related to roof shingles, despite the identical spelling.
When to use it
A medical term, always used with a singular verb despite the "-s" ending.
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Etymology
From Latin cingulum ("girdle" or "belt"), referring to the way the rash often wraps around the torso.
Synonyms
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zoster
Rhymes for shingles
See all rhymes for shingles →Frequently asked questions
What does “shingles” mean?
The word “shingles” means a painful viral infection causing a blistering rash, caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. In plain terms, a painful skin condition caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, which can reactivate later in life.
How do you pronounce “shingles”?
“Shingles” is pronounced SHIHNG-guhlz (/ˈʃɪŋɡəlz/ in IPA).
How do you use “shingles” in a sentence?
Here is “shingles” used in a sentence: “She was put on antiviral medication to treat her shingles.”
What part of speech is “shingles”?
“Shingles” is a noun.
Where does the word “shingles” come from?
The word “shingles” comes from Latin. From Latin cingulum ("girdle" or "belt"), referring to the way the rash often wraps around the torso.
