inhalation

noun

in·​ha·​la·​tion ˌin-hə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce inhalation (audio)
ˌi-nə-ˈlā-
1
: the act or an instance of inhaling
2
: material (such as medication) to be taken in by inhaling
inhalational adjective

Examples of inhalation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Post-mortem examinations confirmed that the boys died from the inhalation of fire fumes. Escher Walcott, People.com, 4 Oct. 2024 However, the new study, published Wednesday in the journal PLOS One, is the first to explore inhalation as a viable route for cetaceans to be exposed to microplastics. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 17 Oct. 2024 Edible products provide an alternative for people with breathing conditions or just looking to avoid inhalation. Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 8 Oct. 2024 Long-term inhalation of crystalline silicon dioxide particles may be dangerous. Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inhalation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inhalation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inhalation was circa 1623

Dictionary Entries Near inhalation

Cite this Entry

“Inhalation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inhalation. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

inhalation

noun
in·​ha·​la·​tion ˌin-(h)ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce inhalation (audio)
: the act or instance of inhaling

Medical Definition

inhalation

noun
in·​ha·​la·​tion ˌin-(h)ə-ˈlā-shən, ˌin-ᵊl-ˈā- How to pronounce inhalation (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of inhaling
specifically : the action of drawing air into the lungs by means of a complex of essentially reflex actions that involve changes in the diaphragm and in muscles of the abdomen and thorax which cause enlargement of the chest cavity and lungs resulting in production of relatively negative pressure within the lungs so that air flows in until the pressure is restored to equality with that of the atmosphere
2
: material (as medication) to be taken in by inhaling
inhalational adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on inhalation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!