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.
Allergic conditions: People with asthma, eczema, food allergies, or hay fever (seasonal allergies) are at higher risk. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 19 Jan. 2025 Like hay fever and environmental allergies, a gluten allergy may cause a runny nose and congestion. Daniel More, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2025 Allergic conditions like food allergies, hay fever, eczema and asthma have become much more common. New Atlas, 21 Dec. 2024 People with atopic dermatitis are more likely to have a family history of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma. Heidi Cope, Health, 24 Dec. 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 26 Jan. 2025.

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
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