hay fever

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. a type of allergic rhinitis affecting the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract, affecting susceptible persons usually during the summer, caused by pollen of ragweed and certain other plants.

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hay fever British  

noun

1. Technical names: allergic rhinitis.   pollinosis.  an allergic reaction to pollen, dust, etc, characterized by sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes due to inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose

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hay fever Scientific  

/ hā /

1. An seasonal allergic condition characterized by a sensitivity to airborne pollen, resulting in nasal discharge, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. It occurs especially during late spring, late summer, and early fall and can be caused by the pollens of various plants, especially ragweed and certain trees and grasses.

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Etymology

Origin of hay fever

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

The warm weather seen in the UK over the last two years means conditions have been ideal for birch tree pollen - a major hay fever trigger.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

"And, for me, the truth came when I was full of hay fever, six hours away from the deadline."

From BBC • Oct. 22, 2025

Darren says hay fever could also be an issue for pupils, particularly those sitting exams.

From BBC • Jul. 19, 2025

If you're sneezing hundreds of times day, your eyes are watering and you're sleeping badly then it's probably hay fever.

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2025

If Henry had been suffering from poison ivy, hay fever, rheumatism, pinkeye, we would have been in luck but the only painkiller they had was Excedrin.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt