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Definitions

herpes

[hur-peez] / ˈhɜr piz /
NOUN
sexually transmitted disease
Synonyms
STRONGEST
AIDS acquired immune deficiency syndrome gonorrhea syphilis the clap venereal disease
WEAK
HIV SIDA STD VD chancroid chlamydia clap crab louse crabs genital herpes genital warts herpes simplex scabies social disease tabes dorsalis
NOUN
venereal disease
Synonyms
STRONGEST
gonorrhea pox syphilis
WEAK
STD VD crabs sexually-transmitted disease social disease the clap

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Additionally, the Safari Park has done extensive examination into the endotheliotropic herpes virus.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

The study, published in the journal Nanoscale, focused on uncovering and blocking a specific molecular interaction that herpes viruses rely on to gain access to cells.

From Science Daily • Dec. 15, 2025

These shoot a virus such as herpes into tumors, causing them to self-destruct.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 16, 2025

We all know the viral bad guys – Covid, flu, norovirus, herpes, chicken pox, measles… the list goes on.

From BBC • Jun. 27, 2025

Zoster, zos′tėr, n. an ancient Greek waist-belt for men: herpes zoster or shingles.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various