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.
Individual studies deepened the link between climate and hay fever. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 Apr. 2025 Females specifically had higher odds of having eczema, food allergies, hay fever, and more persistent asthma symptoms than males. New Atlas, 3 Apr. 2025 The most prevalent diseases were hay fever (23.2%) and asthma (15.1%); type 2 diabetes was the least prevalent (1.0%). New Atlas, 3 Apr. 2025 Symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, watery or red eyes, and an itchy nose and throat. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 17 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

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Cite this Entry

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