dengue

noun

den·​gue ˈdeŋ-gē How to pronounce dengue (audio)
-ˌgā
: an acute infectious disease caused by a flavivirus (serotypes of Orthoflavivirus denguei), transmitted by aedes mosquitoes, and typically characterized by headache, severe joint pain, and a rash but may progress into a more serious illness marked by hemorrhagic symptoms

called also breakbone fever, dengue fever

Examples of dengue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Warming temperatures are also expanding the range of ticks and mosquitoes that carry diseases like West Nile virus, Lyme disease, dengue, chikungunya, alpha-gal syndrome, and others. — Lorraine Boissoneault, STAT, 12 Aug. 2026 For certain high-risk groups, the order says, shots for RSV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, dengue and two types of bacterial meningitis are recommended, as well. — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026 People with severe cases of dengue fever can experience severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, difficulty or rapid breathing, internal bleeding and organ failure, according to the Mayo Clinic. — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026 Aedes mosquitoes can transmit dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya. — Angela Haupt, Time, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dengue

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dengue was in 1828

Browse Nearby Words

denga
dengue
Deng Xiaoping
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dengue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dengue. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

dengue

noun
den·​gue ˈdeŋ-gē How to pronounce dengue (audio) -ˌgā How to pronounce dengue (audio)
: an acute infectious disease that is caused by a flavivirus (serotypes of Orthoflavivirus denguei) transmitted by mosquitos of the genus Aedes and that is typically characterized by headache, severe joint pain, and a rash but may progress to the more severe dengue hemorrhagic fever

called also breakbone fever, dandy fever, dengue fever

More from Merriam-Webster on dengue

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dengue

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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