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

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

Veterinarian Jamie Lovejoy, DVM, explains that warm compresses may be recommended for arthritis or certain stages of injury recovery, according to PetMD. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026

Even with joint issues like arthritis, regular physical activity, such as walking, can help. — Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 2 Sep. 2026

Excess weight can raise a cat’s risk of diabetes, arthritis, skin problems, urinary issues and difficulty grooming. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 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)