exhalation

noun

ex·​ha·​la·​tion ˌeks-hə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce exhalation (audio)
ˌek-sə-
1
: something exhaled or given off : emanation
2
: an act of exhaling

Examples of exhalation 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.
During exhalation, decreased signaling from the phrenic nerve relaxes the diaphragm, pushing air out of the lungs. Soma Mandal, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2025 For example, a patient may naturally need more time to inhale, but the ventilator transitions to the exhalation prematurely. Behnood Gholami, IEEE Spectrum, 24 Sep. 2018 Breathing in through your nose and out through the mouth, focus on each inhalation and exhalation. Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 Hold this position for one exhalation and return to standing straight. Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 19 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for exhalation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exhalation was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Exhalation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exhalation. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

exhalation

noun
ex·​ha·​la·​tion ˌeks-(h)ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce exhalation (audio)
1
: something exhaled or given off
2
: the act of exhaling

Medical Definition

exhalation

noun
ex·​ha·​la·​tion ˌeks-(h)ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce exhalation (audio)
1
: the action of forcing air out of the lungs
2
: something (as the breath) that is exhaled or given off

More from Merriam-Webster on exhalation

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