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

Tree pollen affects 25-35% of hay fever sufferers and typically runs from March to early June for most trees.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

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

There's no cure for hay fever, but there are medicines you can take to feel a bit better.

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2025

Ragweed, the bane of hay fever sufferers, offers an interesting example of the way efforts to control nature sometimes boomerang.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson