altitude sickness

noun

: the effects (such as headache, nausea, or swelling of the brain) of oxygen deficiency in the blood and tissues developed at high altitudes having reduced atmospheric pressure see mountain sickness

Examples of altitude sickness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During their 19-hour hike, Ryan said his son began showing signs of altitude sickness, according to NBC affiliate KSNV. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 29 June 2025

Talk about some of the challenges of the race, including potentially altitude sickness. —Morgan Korn, ABC News, 21 June 2025

The agency also noted that mountaineers must also deal with altitude sickness due to the high elevation levels of the mountain. —Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 5 June 2025

More on altitude sickness, risks of climbing Mount Fuji Mount Fuji was created from volcanic activity that started 100,000 years ago, per the Japan National Tourism Organization. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for altitude sickness

• homesickness
• seasickness
• quickness
• thickness

Medical Definition

altitude sickness

noun

al·​ti·​tude sickness ˌal-tə-ˌt(y)üd- 

: the effects (as nosebleed, nausea, headache, or cerebral edema) of oxygen deficiency in the blood and tissues developed at high altitudes with reduced atmospheric pressure