plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: an allergic disorder marked by raised edematous patches of skin or mucous membrane and usually intense itching and caused by contact with a specific precipitating factor (such as a food, drug, or inhalant) either externally or internally
called also urticaria
Examples of hives in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Even laundry detergents can wreak havoc, causing dry patches, hives, breakouts, or itchy skin.
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Zoë Hannah, Popular Mechanics, 1 Feb. 2023
In addition, some people may experience allergic reactions to maca, including skin rash, hives, and difficulty breathing.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for hives 
Zoë Hannah, Popular Mechanics, 1 Feb. 2023
In addition, some people may experience allergic reactions to maca, including skin rash, hives, and difficulty breathing.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for hives
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hives.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Hives.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hives. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hives
singular or plural noun
: an allergic condition in which the skin or mucous membrane breaks out in large red itching patches
Medical Definition
hives
noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: an allergic disorder marked by raised edematous red patches of skin or mucous membrane and usually by intense itching and caused by contact with a specific precipitating factor (as a food, drug, or inhalant) either externally or internally
called also urticaria
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