rheumatoid arthritis

noun

: a usually chronic autoimmune disease that is characterized especially by pain, stiffness, inflammation, swelling, and sometimes destruction of joints
—abbreviation RA compare osteoarthritis

Examples of rheumatoid 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.
Other candidates in its pipeline are aimed at rheumatoid arthritis and chronic kidney disease. — Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 3 June 2026 The medication is also used widely for conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. — Dara Kass, The Conversation, 26 May 2026 The sandals have become a favorite among shoppers dealing with everything from general foot fatigue to more serious conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and posterior tendonitis. — Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026 Menopause and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can also accelerate collagen loss, according to the Arthritis Foundation. — Stacey Colino, Time, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rheumatoid arthritis

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rheumatoid arthritis was in 1859

Rhymes for rheumatoid arthritis

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Browse Nearby Words

rheumatoid
rheumatoid arthritis
rheumatoid factor
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Cite this Entry

“Rheumatoid arthritis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rheumatoid%20arthritis. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

rheumatoid arthritis

noun
: a usually chronic disease that is considered an autoimmune disease and is characterized especially by pain, stiffness, inflammation, swelling, and sometimes destruction of joints
—abbreviation RA

called also atrophic arthritis

compare osteoarthritis

More from Merriam-Webster on rheumatoid arthritis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rheumatoid arthritis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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