hemorrhoid

noun

hem·​or·​rhoid ˈhem-ˌrȯid  ˈhe-mə- 

: an abnormal mass of dilated and engorged blood vessels in swollen tissue that occurs internally in the anal canal or externally around the anus, that may be marked by bleeding, pain, or itching, and that when occurring internally often protrude through the outer sphincter of the anus and when occurring externally may lead to thrombosis

—usually used in plural

called also piles

Examples of hemorrhoid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For those who develop enlarged hemorrhoids during pregnancy, the discomfort can feel especially impossible to ignore. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025

Apples Apples are a high-fiber fruit with properties that support both the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids. —Brianna Tobritzhofer, Health, 18 Oct. 2025

Other conditions like hemorrhoids also can cause bleeding, but contacting your doctor is recommended. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Oct. 2025

Another Cuban man had been brought in with acute hemorrhoids; he was eventually taken away for surgery, then immediately returned to detention, despite being in constant pain. —Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English emeroides, plural, from Anglo-French emorroides, from Latin haemorrhoidae, from Greek haimorrhoides, from haimorrhoos flowing with blood, from haimo- hem- + rhein to flow — more at stream

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hemorrhoid

• adenoid
• alkaloid
• amoeboid
• amyloid
• aneroid
• anthropoid
• arachnoid
• asteroid
• benzenoid
• carcinoid
• celluloid
• coronoid

Kids Definition

hemorrhoid

noun

hem·​or·​rhoid ˈhem-(ə-)ˌrȯid 

1

: a swollen mass of veins located at or just within the anus

2

plural : the condition of a person who has hemorrhoids

called also piles

Medical Definition

hemorrhoid

noun

hem·​or·​rhoid

variants or chiefly British haemorrhoid

ˈhem-(ə-)ˌrȯid 

: an abnormal mass of dilated and engorged blood vessels in swollen tissue that occurs internally in the anal canal or externally around the anus, that may be marked by bleeding, pain, or itching, and that when occurring internally often protrude through the external anal sphincter and when occurring externally may lead to thrombosis

—usually used in plural

called also piles