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

Key Takeaways Turmeric is a flavorful spice that contains natural painkillers, such as curcumin, which has been used to manage arthritis, fibromyalgia, and muscle and nerve pain. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2026

Wezlana is priced about 81% lower than Stelara, a treatment for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and Crohn’s disease that can exceed $165,000 per year. —Amy Sue Harper, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2026

Shoppers who fluctuate between sizes, dread sitting in rigid denim, have arthritis, and are in the early stages of pregnancy also give the jeans a thumbs-up for their flexible fit, breathable fabric, and easy pull-on design. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026

Senior pups, large breeds and dogs with hip dysplasia or arthritis can benefit from structured foam that doesn’t collapse. —Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 19 Feb. 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)