# smallpox

/ˈsmɔɫˌpɑks/ (US) · /smˈɔːlpɒks/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/smallpox
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a very serious and contagious disease that caused a high fever and bumps on the skin. It was a major cause of death for centuries until it was completely wiped out by vaccines in 1980.

For teachers: an acute, highly infectious viral disease caused by the variola virus, characterized by high fever and a distinctive pustular rash. It is the only human infectious disease to have been eradicated globally through vaccination efforts.

## Examples

- Doctors used vaccines to wipe out smallpox worldwide.
- Historical records show that smallpox outbreaks often devastated entire populations before the discovery of the first vaccine.
- The successful eradication of smallpox remains the crowning achievement of global public health, demonstrating how coordinated international action can permanently eliminate a biological threat to humanity.

## Usage notes

- Typically used without an article when referring to the disease 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.