noun
C2
Proficient
laryngitis
la-rihn-JEYE-tihs
Laryngitis (noun) means Inflammation of the larynx (voice box), usually causing hoarseness or loss of voice. Example: “The singer had to cancel the show because of laryngitis.”
noun
1
Inflammation of the larynx (voice box), usually causing hoarseness or loss of voice.
"The singer had to cancel the show because of laryngitis."
"The moment had come for the honeyed word. I lowered my voice to a confidential murmur, but on her inquiring if I had laryngitis raised it again."
— P. G. Wodehouse, Jeeves in the Offing (1960)
How to use laryngitis
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sore, inflamed voice box that makes your voice go hoarse or disappear.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a bout of laryngitis
chronic laryngitis
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Word forms
- Plural
- laryngites, laryngitides
Fill the gap
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The singer had to cancel the show because of _____.
Etymology
A 19th-century scientific coinage from "larynx" plus the medical suffix "-itis," meaning "inflammation."
Class of 1800
laryngitis joined the language around 1800.
See the full Class of 1800 →
Rhymes for laryngitis
itis
gastritis
sinusitis
hepatitis
arthritis
dermatitis
bronchitis
meningitis
peritonitis
tonsillitis
appendicitis
encephalitis
See all rhymes for laryngitis →
Frequently asked questions
What does “laryngitis” mean?
The word “laryngitis” means inflammation of the larynx (voice box), usually causing hoarseness or loss of voice. In plain terms, a sore, inflamed voice box that makes your voice go hoarse or disappear.
How do you pronounce “laryngitis”?
“Laryngitis” is pronounced la-rihn-JEYE-tihs (/lɛɹɪnˈd͡ʒaɪtɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “laryngitis” in a sentence?
Here is “laryngitis” used in a sentence: “The singer had to cancel the show because of laryngitis.”
What part of speech is “laryngitis”?
“Laryngitis” is a noun.
Where does the word “laryngitis” come from?
The word “laryngitis” dates back to around 1800. A 19th-century scientific coinage from "larynx" plus the medical suffix "-itis," meaning "inflammation.".
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