monkeypox
Americannoun
Usage
What is monkeypox? Monkeypox is a contagious disease caused by a virus. The name monkeypox is used for both the disease and the virus that causes it. Monkeypox typically causes a rash that can start as painful, blisterlike bumps on the skin, especially on or near the genitals, the anus, and other areas such as the hands, feet, face, and chest. Monkeypox is similar to smallpox but usually less severe. While most cases are not severe, monkeypox can cause serious illness. Monkeypox is sometimes abbreviated as or alternately referred to as MPX, MPOX, MPV (for monkeypox virus), MPXV, or in other ways.
Etymology
Origin of monkeypox
First recorded in 1900–05; monkey ( def. ) + pox ( def. )
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.
Most cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, that began spreading in California and the U.S. in 2022 have been the Clade II strain.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026
Since November 2024, there have been 12 reported cases of clade I monkeypox in the U.S., while clade II is “circulating at low levels,” per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection characterized by a flu-like fever and rash that can last weeks.
From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is primarily spread through close, intimate contact, such as through body fluids, sores, shared bedding or shared clothing, as well as kissing, coughing and sneezing, health officials say.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2025
The WHO declared mpox, which used to be called monkeypox, a public health emergency in Africa in August.
From BBC • Sep. 24, 2024
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
