antihistamine

noun

an·​ti·​his·​ta·​mine ˌan-tē-ˈhi-stə-ˌmēn 

-mən, 

ˌan-tī-

: any of various compounds that counteract histamine in the body and that are used for treating allergic reactions (such as hay fever) and cold symptoms

antihistamine adjective

antihistaminic

ˌan-tē-ˌhi-stə-ˈmi-nik 

ˌan-tī-

adjective or noun

Examples of antihistamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Otherwise, the bites can be treated with topical itch creams and antihistamines. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2026

People use antihistamines, steroid sprays, and decongestants to treat their symptoms. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026

Westmoreland’s toxicology report shows her prescribed gabapentin for pain, along with antihistamines and a muscle relaxer her family did not recognize. —Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026

Saline rinses, nasal steroid sprays, and antihistamines can significantly reduce daily symptoms. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

antihistamine

noun

an·​ti·​his·​ta·​mine ˌant-i-ˈhis-tə-ˌmēn 

-mən, 

ˌan-ˌtī-

: any of various drugs used for treating allergic reactions and cold symptoms

Medical Definition

antihistamine

1 of 2 adjective

an·​ti·​his·​ta·​mine ˌant-i-ˈhis-tə-ˌmēn, ˌan-ˌtī-, -mən 

: tending to block or counteract the physiological action of histamine

human blood lacks antihistamine activity

antihistamine

2 of 2 noun

: any of various compounds that oppose the actions of histamine and are used especially for treating allergic reactions (as hay fever), cold symptoms, and motion sickness