postnasal drip

noun

post·​na·​sal drip ˈpōst-ˌnā-zəl- 

: flow of mucous secretion from the posterior part of the nasal cavity onto the wall of the pharynx occurring usually as a chronic accompaniment of an allergic state

Examples of postnasal drip in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is often due to postnasal drip, which is when mucus from the nose and sinuses drains down the back of the throat, causing irritation and a scratchy feeling. —Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025

For some years, my larynx has been swimming in phlegm, the result of an undetermined ratio between reflux and postnasal drip. —John McPhee, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025

Breathing in air pollution can cause inflammation in your nasal and sinus tissues along with postnasal drip. —Jenny Sweigard, Verywell Health, 1 July 2024

Your child's cough may be caused by postnasal drip and a saline solution can provide quick natural relief. —Jeannette Moninger, Parents, 11 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1949, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for postnasal drip

• apostleship
• apprenticeship
• assistantship
• championship
• chancellorship
• citizenship
• companionship
• copartnership
• dictatorship
• directorship
• discipleship
• editorship

Kids Definition

postnasal drip

noun

post·​na·​sal drip ˈpōst-ˌnā-zəl 

: a flow of mucus from the passages of the nose onto the back of the throat that occurs especially as a result of allergies

Medical Definition

postnasal drip

noun

: flow of mucous secretion from the posterior part of the nasal cavity onto the wall of the pharynx occurring usually as a chronic accompaniment of an allergic state or a viral infection