arthritis

noun

ar·​thri·​tis är-ˈthrī-təs 

plural arthritides är-ˈthri-tə-ˌdēz 

: inflammation of joints due to infectious, metabolic, or constitutional causes

also : a specific arthritic condition

Examples of arthritis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Key Takeaways Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can lead to social isolation due to a combination of physical limitations, pain, fatigue, and emotional factors. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 27 Aug. 2025

There are many different kinds of arthritis, from rheumatoid arthritis to lupus, though osteoarthritis is the most prevalent. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025

Listeria infections can, on rare occasions, result in arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. —Matt Cannon, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025

The participants also took Mobic (meloxicam), an anti-inflammatory medication often prescribed for arthritis. —Health, 24 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin arthrītis "pain in the joints," borrowed from Greek arthrītid-, arthrîtis "of the joints" (arthrîtis nósos "disease of the joints"), (as a noun) "gout," from árthron "joint, articulation" + -ītis -itis — more at arthro-

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing arthritis

• anti-arthritis
• reactive arthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis

Rhymes for arthritis

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

Kids Definition

arthritis

noun

ar·​thri·​tis är-ˈthrīt-əs 

: inflammation of the joints

arthritic

-ˈthrit-ik

adjective or noun

Medical Definition

arthritis

noun

ar·​thri·​tis är-ˈthrīt-əs 

plural arthritides -ˈthrit-ə-ˌdēz 

: inflammation of joints due to infectious, metabolic, or constitutional causes

also : a specific arthritic condition (as gouty arthritis or psoriatic arthritis)