altitude sickness

noun

: the effects (such as headache, nausea, or swelling of the brain) of oxygen deficiency in the blood and tissues developed at high altitudes having reduced atmospheric pressure see mountain sickness

Examples of altitude sickness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The outlet reported that, in the other scenario, guides and hotel staff, according to the CIB probe, have been coached to scare trekkers at high altitude, where altitude sickness can occur. —Alex Nitzberg, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026

The idea took on fresh urgency when the six cofounders learned that their horseman’s wife had suffered life-threatening altitude sickness while harvesting cordyceps—despite living above 12,500 feet her entire life. —Erin Levi, Time, 12 Mar. 2026

In 2014, Lady Gaga got altitude sickness while in Denver for a concert. —Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026

More serious altitude sickness shows up as shortness of breath even with minimal exertion, along with swelling in the hands and face. —Morayo Ogunbayo, AJC.com, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for altitude sickness

• homesickness
• seasickness
• quickness
• thickness

Medical Definition

altitude sickness

noun

al·​ti·​tude sickness ˌal-tə-ˌt(y)üd- 

: the effects (as nosebleed, nausea, headache, or cerebral edema) of oxygen deficiency in the blood and tissues developed at high altitudes with reduced atmospheric pressure