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

Hay Fever Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as seasonal allergies or hay fever, is a response to allergens such as pollen. —Lauren O'Connor, Health, 21 Oct. 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

Adults and children with respiratory allergies, such as allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages after exposure to an allergen), are at a high risk of developing nosebleeds. —Jurairat J. Molina, Verywell Health, 12 June 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
• glossitis
• mastitis
• metritis
• nephritis
• neuritis
• orchitis
• osteitis

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