contagious disease

Cultural

An infectious disease that is spread through contact with infected individuals; also called a communicable disease. Contact with the bodily secretions of such individuals, or with objects that they have contaminated, can also spread this kind of disease.

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.

He looked utterly miserable, sitting there like a man with a contagious disease.

From BBC • Nov. 24, 2025

"Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, particularly for those who are unvaccinated."

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2025

In its contract with customers, Spirit said they can also refuse service to any passenger with a contagious disease or “an offensive body odor unless caused by a qualified disability.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2025

The agency is in dire need of upgraded data analysis systems, Lurie says, which would help it more nimbly manage the brush fire of a contagious disease before it gets out of control.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 26, 2024

Everyone stays away from me like I have some contagious disease.

From "A Soft Place to Land" by Janae Marks

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023