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

People with hay fever are likely familiar with antihistamines, but these medications are rarely linked to a woman's menstrual cycle—until now. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

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

ˈhā-ˌfē-vər 

: 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