Simple Definition of tonsillitis

from our Learner's Dictionary

tonsillitis

noun

ˌtɑːnsəˈlaɪtɪs

medical : a condition in which a person's tonsils are painful and swollen

Cite this Entry

Style

“Tonsillitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/tonsillitis. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

cavalcade

Listen to the pronunciation of cavalcade

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Canceled' or 'cancelled'?

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

8 Obscure Words for Sleepy Times

Cattywampus, Taradiddle, and More Funny-Sounding Words

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

'Canceled' or 'cancelled'?

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

8 Obscure Words for Sleepy Times