arthritis

noun

ar·​thri·​tis är-ˈthrī-təs How to pronounce arthritis (audio)
plural arthritides är-ˈthri-tə-ˌdēz How to pronounce arthritis (audio)
: inflammation of joints due to infectious, metabolic, or constitutional causes
also : a specific arthritic condition

Examples of arthritis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Excess weight can raise a cat’s risk of diabetes, arthritis, skin problems, urinary issues and difficulty grooming. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 The trailer opens with a doctor diagnosing Alex with arthritis in her jaw. — Selome Hailu, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026 Grip strength, for example, is predictive of many different things, but it can be affected by arthritis, stroke or even simply not conditioning those muscles. — ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026 The Philadelphia Zoo is saying goodbye to its last African lion, Makini, who died after a battle with advanced arthritis. — Frederick Sutton Sinclair, CBS News, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for arthritis

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin arthrītis "pain in the joints," borrowed from Greek arthrītid-, arthrîtis "of the joints" (arthrîtis nósos "disease of the joints"), (as a noun) "gout," from árthron "joint, articulation" + -ītis -itis — more at arthro-

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of arthritis was in 1543

Phrases Containing arthritis

Rhymes for arthritis

See All Rhymes for arthritis

Browse Nearby Words

arthritic
arthritis
arthro-
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Cite this Entry

“Arthritis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arthritis. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

arthritis

noun
ar·​thri·​tis är-ˈthrīt-əs How to pronounce arthritis (audio)
: inflammation of the joints
arthritic
-ˈthrit-ik
adjective or noun

Medical Definition

arthritis

noun
ar·​thri·​tis är-ˈthrīt-əs How to pronounce arthritis (audio)
plural arthritides -ˈthrit-ə-ˌdēz How to pronounce arthritis (audio)
: inflammation of joints due to infectious, metabolic, or constitutional causes
also : a specific arthritic condition (as gouty arthritis or psoriatic arthritis)

More from Merriam-Webster on arthritis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arthritis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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