English Reference

Word

sinus

Phoneticssi·nus

US/ˈsaɪnəs/

UK/sˈaɪnəs/

Definition

n. a hollow space or pocket inside your body, especially the ones in the bones of your face near your nose.

n. a cavity or hollow space within a bone or other tissue, most commonly referring to the air-filled paranasal cavities in the skull.

Examples

“My sinuses feel very blocked because of this cold.”

“Chronic sinus infections can cause significant pressure and pain behind the eyes and cheeks.”

“The surgeon carefully navigated the narrow passages of the ethmoid sinus to remove the blockage and restore normal drainage for the patient.”

Examples

simple

“My sinuses feel very blocked because of this cold.”

contextual

“Chronic sinus infections can cause significant pressure and pain behind the eyes and cheeks.”

complex

“The surgeon carefully navigated the narrow passages of the ethmoid sinus to remove the blockage and restore normal drainage for the patient.”

Usage

Often used in the plural when referring to the facial cavities.

Real-World Examples

“Photograph: Alastair Muir/Rex Features The cast, crew, and audience were told that Charleson’s face was swollen after a sinus operation.”
The Guardian · 4 Sept 2026
“This is especially true for colds and other infections in the nose, throat and sinuses, many of which are caused by viruses and don’t need antibiotics at all .”
The Conversation · 28 Aug 2026

Domains

AnatomyBotanyGeography

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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English Reference