# herpes

/ˈhɝpiz/ (US) · /hˈɜːpiːz/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/herpes
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a common infection caused by a virus that can lead to small, painful blisters on the skin. It often stays in the body for a long time and can come back later.

For teachers: a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, characterized by the eruption of small blisters on the skin or mucous membranes. Often used in a medical context to refer to either the oral or genital manifestation of the disease.

## Examples

- The doctor explained that herpes is a very common viral infection.
- Many people carry the virus that causes herpes without ever showing any physical symptoms or blisters.
- Clinical management of herpes typically involves antiviral medications that suppress the virus and reduce the frequency of symptomatic outbreaks, although they do not provide a permanent cure.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as an uncountable noun when referring to the disease or the virus itself.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.