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

Kneeling, balancing or putting weight on aching joints can be difficult for older adults, people recovering from injuries or anyone living with arthritis or chronic pain. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

The comfortable ergonomic designs minimize hand stress and fatigue, great for extended use and those with arthritis. — ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Joint arthritis and back pain can make walking more difficult. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

In rare circumstances, salmonella can get into the bloodstream and cause more severe illnesses like arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Aug. 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
• mastitis
• metritis
• nephritis
• neuritis
• orchitis
• osteitis
• otitis
• phlebitis

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)