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

"While for some their symptoms can be mild, for many their hay fever symptoms impacts their quality of life," says Anne Biggs, deputy head of clinical services at Allergy UK.

From BBC ● Apr. 22, 2026

There's no cure for hay fever, but there are medicines which can relieve symptoms and help you feel a bit better.

From BBC ● Apr. 22, 2026

At this time of year tree pollen, and particularly birch, is the main reason why people may be suffering from hay fever.

From BBC ● Apr. 8, 2026

In fact, after my first run of visits to Mrs. de Roo five years ago, by the time my hay fever began everyone thought my stammer was cured.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell