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

This brings us back to how Crohn’s is not juvenile idiopathic arthritis. — John Mildenberger, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026

The strongest evidence sits with clinic-grade lasers used by veterinarians as an adjunct for arthritis, wound healing and inflammatory conditions. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2026

Veterinarian Jamie Lovejoy, DVM, notes that warm compresses can be helpful for conditions like arthritis or during certain recovery stages, according to PetMD. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026

Even with joint issues like arthritis, regular physical activity, such as walking, can help. — Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 2 Sep. 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
• mastitis
• metritis
• nephritis
• neuritis
• orchitis
• osteitis
• otitis
• phlebitis

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)