hay fever

noun

: an acute allergic reaction to pollen that is usually seasonal and is marked by sneezing, nasal discharge and congestion, and itching and watering of the eyes

called also pollinosis

Examples of hay fever 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.
And for anything that goes back earlier in history, whether that is hay fever, food allergies, or asthma, the story gets murkier due to a lack of reliable records. Discover Magazine, 15 Oct. 2024 Pollen exposure can trigger various allergic reactions, including symptoms of hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis. Alexandra Banner, CNN, 22 Oct. 2024 By the 1890s, knowledge of hay fever, and ways to avoid it, were common. Discover Magazine, 15 Oct. 2024 It is commonly used to treat symptoms of allergies, common cold, and hay fever. Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hay fever 

Word History

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hay fever was in 1829

Dictionary Entries Near hay fever

Cite this Entry

“Hay fever.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hay%20fever. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

hay fever

noun
: an allergy to pollen that is usually marked by sneezing, a runny or stuffed nose, and itchy and watering eyes

Medical Definition

hay fever

noun
: an acute allergic reaction to pollen that is usually seasonal and is marked by sneezing, nasal discharge and congestion, and itching and watering of the eyes

called also pollinosis

More from Merriam-Webster on hay fever

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!