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

Emory has since performed a dozen procedures using the technology, mostly for arthritis. —Roni Robbins, AJC.com, 10 Apr. 2026

Invasive infection included infants and toddlers developing pneumonia, meningitis, septic arthritis, blood infection and swelling in the throat, causing permanent disabilities and death in about 5% of cases, or around 1,000 children annually. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026

Some applicants who are receiving benefits have listed their sleep apnea, obesity and arthritis. —Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026

Take the case of Iris Smith, an 80-year-old Florida retiree suffering from arthritis. —Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 2 Apr. 2026

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)