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, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, resulting in a painful rash.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 6, 2025

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

From Science Daily • Dec. 3, 2025

Shingles is a painful, serious condition that is more common in older people.

From BBC • Jul. 25, 2024

Shingles: This virus causes a painful rash in which the pain can last for months or even years after the rash goes away.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 6, 2023

Shingles peeled from the walls in great sheaths.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman