We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Find out more

Subscriber login

Library card login

Other

X Close menu

Dictionary Language resources

measles

Syllabification: (mea·sles)

Pronunciation: /ˈmēzəlz/

Translate measles | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish

Definition of measles

noun

(often the measles) [treated as singular]

an infectious viral disease causing fever and a red rash on the skin, typically occurring in childhood.
a disease of pigs and other animals caused by the encysted larvae of the human tapeworm.

Origin:

Middle English maseles, probably from Middle Dutch masel 'pustule' (compare with modern Dutch mazelen 'measles'). The spelling change was due to association with Middle English mesel 'leprous, leprosy'