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

See Examples For:

hay fever

Unfortunately for hay fever sufferers, pollen levels are likely to rise as the increasing temperatures come in the wake of wet weather.

From BBC ● Jun. 14, 2026

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

If your hay fever becomes really debilitating, your GP can refer you to a specialist - but that will take a while.

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

I got a hay fever attack and sneezed ten or twenty times into a nuggety hanky.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell