hay fever

noun

: an acute allergic reaction to pollen that is usually seasonal and is marked by sneezing, nasal discharge and congestion, and itching and watering of the eyes

called also pollinosis

Examples of hay fever in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, happen when your child’s immune system overreacts to allergens like pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, and in Southern California can be seen almost year-round. —Advertorial, Oc Register, 7 Aug. 2025

However, the research suggests vitamin C may benefit people with hay fever (seasonal allergies) and rhinitis.2 Still, more research is needed before knowing for certain. —Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 23 July 2025

In people with hay fever, the immune system mistakes harmless pollen as a dangerous invader. —New Atlas, 3 July 2025

Males with higher triclosan exposure prenatally (before birth) had a higher risk of hay fever. —New Atlas, 3 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hay fever

• achiever
• believer
• deceiver
• perceiver
• receiver
• reliever
• retriever
• transceiver
• cleaver
• leaver
• weaver
• unbeliever

Kids Definition

hay fever

noun

: an allergy to pollen that is usually marked by sneezing, a runny or stuffed nose, and itchy and watering eyes

Medical Definition

hay fever

noun

ˈhā-ˌfē-vər 

: an acute allergic reaction to pollen that is usually seasonal and is marked by sneezing, nasal discharge and congestion, and itching and watering of the eyes

called also pollinosis