shingles

American  

[shing-guhlz] / ˈʃɪŋ gəlz /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. a disease caused by the varicella zoster virus, especially by reactivated virus in an older person, characterized by skin eruptions and pain along the course of involved sensory nerves.

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shingles British  

/ ˈʃɪŋɡəlz /

noun

1. Technical names: herpes zoster.   zoster.  (functioning as singular) an acute viral disease affecting the ganglia of certain nerves, characterized by inflammation, pain, and skin eruptions along the course of the affected nerve

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shingles Scientific  

/ shĭng′gəlz /

1. See under herpes

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Etymology

Origin of shingles

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Medieval Latin cingulum, in Latin: “girdle,” from cingere “to gird, cinch” ( cf. cincture); translation of Greek zṓnē “belt” or zōstḗr “girdle”; see zone, zoster

Compare meaning

How does shingles compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• genital herpes vs. shingles

Example Sentences

Shingles vaccines are recommended for U.S. adults ages 50 and older.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

Shingles is a viral disease that causes a painful, blistering rash.

From Science Daily • Dec. 3, 2025

Shingles is a rash brought on by the varicella zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2025

Shingles is an extremely painful condition which can develop after a chicken pox infection.

From BBC • Jul. 11, 2023

Shingles were missing all over the roof, half the windows had the glass broken out of them, and the porch sagged in the middle.

From "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia