postnasal drip

noun

post·​na·​sal drip ˈpōst-ˌnā-zəl- 

: flow of mucous secretion from the posterior part of the nasal cavity onto the wall of the pharynx occurring usually as a chronic accompaniment of an allergic state

Examples of postnasal drip in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Your doctor may want to use a laryngoscope, a camera on a thin tube placed down your throat, to examine your voice box and determine if postnasal drip or something else is causing your symptoms, Cho says. —Sarah Klein, Time, 13 May 2025

Common allergy symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, postnasal drip, itchy nose, eyes, ears or mouth, red and watery eyes and shortness of breath, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). —Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 7 May 2025

In addition to postnasal drip, lying down affects airflow. —Rachael Zimlich, Bsn, Rn, Verywell Health, 25 Apr. 2025

This is often due to postnasal drip, which is when mucus from the nose and sinuses drains down the back of the throat, causing irritation and a scratchy feeling. —Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1949, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for postnasal drip

• apostleship
• apprenticeship
• assistantship
• championship
• chancellorship
• citizenship
• companionship
• copartnership
• dictatorship
• directorship
• discipleship
• editorship

Kids Definition

postnasal drip

noun

post·​na·​sal drip ˈpōst-ˌnā-zəl 

: a flow of mucus from the passages of the nose onto the back of the throat that occurs especially as a result of allergies

Medical Definition

postnasal drip

noun

: flow of mucous secretion from the posterior part of the nasal cavity onto the wall of the pharynx occurring usually as a chronic accompaniment of an allergic state or a viral infection