rhinitis

noun

rhi·​ni·​tis rī-ˈnī-təs 

: inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose

Examples of rhinitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This condition, sometimes called nonallergic rhinitis, occurs as older bodies lose some control over blood vessels in the nose and mucus glands. — Matt Fuchs, Scientific American, 15 Apr. 2026

Pollen can significantly impact those with allergic rhinitis or allergic asthma. — Hali Smith march 10, Idaho Statesman, 10 Mar. 2026

Allergic rhinitis is when your nasal passages become inflamed as an immune response to allergens in the air like pollen, dust, or pet dander. — Merve Ceylan, Health, 2 Dec. 2025

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is what most people think of as hay fever — allergy symptoms that flare up at certain times of the year, usually in the spring, summer or fall, when pollen from trees, grasses or weeds is in the air. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing rhinitis

• allergic rhinitis

Rhymes for rhinitis

• arthritis
• bronchitis
• bursitis
• detritus
• gastritis
• mastitis
• metritis
• nephritis
• neuritis
• orchitis
• osteitis
• otitis

Medical Definition

rhinitis

noun

rhi·​ni·​tis rī-ˈnīt-əs 

plural rhinitides -ˈnit-ə-ˌdēz 

: inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose marked especially by rhinorrhea, nasal congestion and itching, and sneezing

also : any of various conditions characterized by rhinitis see allergic rhinitis, rhinitis medicamentosa, rhinitis sicca, vasomotor rhinitis