altitude sickness

noun

Synonyms of altitude sicknessnext
: the effects (such as headache, nausea, or swelling of the brain) of oxygen deficiency in the blood and tissues developed at high altitudes having reduced atmospheric pressure see mountain sickness

Examples of altitude sickness 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.
More serious altitude sickness shows up as shortness of breath even with minimal exertion, along with swelling in the hands and face. — Morayo Ogunbayo, AJC.com, 13 Feb. 2026 Spending a night or, better yet, two, at a lower elevation can greatly reduce the risk of altitude sickness. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2026 In 2014, Lady Gaga got altitude sickness while in Denver for a concert. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026 Then something happened which never should happen in mountain climbing to someone with altitude sickness because your judgment is impaired, and your confidence too high. — Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for altitude sickness

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of altitude sickness was in 1901

Rhymes for altitude sickness

See All Rhymes for altitude sickness

Browse Nearby Words

altitude chamber
altitude sickness
altitude training
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Cite this Entry

“Altitude sickness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/altitude%20sickness. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

altitude sickness

noun
al·​ti·​tude sickness ˌal-tə-ˌt(y)üd- How to pronounce altitude sickness (audio)
: the effects (as nosebleed, nausea, headache, or cerebral edema) of oxygen deficiency in the blood and tissues developed at high altitudes with reduced atmospheric pressure

More from Merriam-Webster on altitude sickness

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for altitude sickness

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about altitude sickness

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