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Is it possible that the origins of the noun rash (meaning “an eruption on the body,” as in “a skin rash”) and the adjective rash (meaning “overly hasty”) are the same? Not so fast! Like many homonyms—“two or more words spelled and pronounced alike but different in meaning”—the two rashes have distinct sources. The noun rash, which first appeared in English in the late 17th century, probably comes ultimately from the Latin verb rādere, meaning “to scrape, scratch, shave.” The adjective rash appears to be about two centuries older, and comes from a Middle English word meaning “active, quick, eager.”
Synonyms
Examples of rash in a Sentence
Maggie O'Neill, Health, 26 Apr. 2024
While revising my forthcoming book, one of my thighs erupted into a mysterious rash.
—Rachel Khong, The Atlantic, 25 Apr. 2024
Some patients may not have a rash, but feel hot or flushed in their face.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 24 Apr. 2024
Skin contact can cause rashes, blisters, and burns.
—Anna Halkidis, Parents, 5 Apr. 2024
This is a persuasive concept, one that maps easily onto the score and gets at its rash youthfulness and rueful adulthood.
—Joshua Barone, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024
The skin on her tush and legs has rashes and is peeling where the tight material of the diaper rubs — a skin irritation that won't go away.
—Elissa Nadworny, NPR, 28 Mar. 2024
Her 90 Day costars talked her out of the rash decision, though, and encouraged her to seek legal counsel before signing anything.
—Kelly Wynne, Peoplemag, 16 Apr. 2024
What to do: Most rashes caused by granuloma annulare disappear within a few months, although sometimes the bumps stick around for up to two years.
—Elizabeth Woolley, Verywell Health, 15 Apr. 2024
Jessica Migala, Health, 28 Apr. 2024
Several days after initial symptoms begin, the telltale measles rash can appear.
—Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2024
But adults are less likely to develop the telltale skin rash and blisters that children with the disease develop, likely because of partial immunity from being infected as a child.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 28 Mar. 2024
Given the possibility that a rash decision or escalatory act by one of their clients could trigger a regional war, the patrons should be keen to take steps that would reduce the risk of such a scenario.
—Joost Hiltermann, Foreign Affairs, 28 Mar. 2024
To prevent an Apple Watch rash, consider following these recommendations:
Wear the watch loosely enough to allow air circulation and minimize friction against the skin.
—Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 20 Feb. 2024
For surfers, the material provides rash guard-style protection, and it's made with a breathable fabric that wicks away moisture and is quick-drying.
—Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2024
Common symptoms include joint pain, extreme fatigue, joint pain or a butterfly rash.
—Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 14 Feb. 2024
But these flying pests can also carry the West Nile virus, a disease that can cause fever, rash and muscle aches.
—Caralin Nunes, The Arizona Republic, 16 Mar. 2024
Andrew Baggarly, The Mercury News, 2 May 2017
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rash.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Rash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rash. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rash
1 of 2 adjectiverash
2 of 2 nounMedical Definition
rash
noun
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