fibromyalgia

noun

fi·​bro·​my·​al·​gia ˌfī-ˌbrō-ˌmī-ˈal-j(ē)ə 

: a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, and stiffness of muscles and associated connective tissue structures that is typically accompanied by fatigue, headache, and sleep disturbances

fibromyalgic

ˌfī-ˌbrō-ˌmī-ˈal-jik 

adjective

fibromyalgic pain

fibromyalgic patients

fibromyalgic noun

plural fibromyalgics

Most fibromyalgics are women who have gradual onset of symptoms between the ages of 20 and 45.

—Landis Lum

Examples of fibromyalgia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Maddie, who is deaf and has fibromyalgia, sells niche streetwear brands. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026

Her husband, 70, suffers chronic fibromyalgia pain and needs a wheelchair. — Paula Span, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026

Swing Therapeutics, developer of a Food and Drug Administration-cleared digital treatment for fibromyalgia, has been acquired by medical virtual reality company XR Health. — Mario Aguilar, STAT, 15 July 2026

In a clinical study focusing on fibromyalgia, patients receiving twice-weekly 40 Hz vibroacoustic treatments for five weeks showed significant improvements in pain scores and quality of life measures. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fibromyalgia

• arthralgia
• nostalgia
• myalgia

Medical Definition

fibromyalgia

noun

fi·​bro·​my·​al·​gia ˌfī-(ˌ)brō-ˌmī-ˈal-j(ē-)ə 

: a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, and stiffness of muscles and associated connective tissue structures that is typically accompanied by fatigue, headache, and sleep disturbances

called also fibromyalgia syndrome, fibromyositis

fibromyalgic

ˌfī-(ˌ)brō-ˌmī-ˈal-jik 

adjective or noun