aspiration
noun
as·pi·ra·tion
ˌa-spə-ˈrā-shən 
1
a
: a strong desire to achieve something high or great
an aspiration to become famous
—usually plurala young man with political/literary aspirations
b
: an object of such desire
An acting career is her aspiration.
2
: a drawing of something in, out, up, or through by or as if by suction: such as
a
: the act of breathing and especially of breathing in
b
: the withdrawal (as by suction) of fluid or tissue from the body
the aspiration of stomach fluids
c
: the taking of foreign matter into the lungs with the respiratory current
problems caused by the aspiration of fluids into the patient's lungs
3
linguistics
a
: audible breath that accompanies or comprises a speech sound
b
: the pronunciation or addition of an aspiration
the aspiration of the letter "h" in "a house"
also
: the symbol of an aspiration
Examples of aspiration in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The key to Amanda’s success lies in her patient-centric methodology—carefully listening to their concerns and aspirations, and devising comprehensive, realistic plans for their aesthetic journey.
—
William Mullane, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024
The 11th house: This place showcases the humanitarian and charitable work being done, as well as our friendships, social lives, hopes, and aspirations.
—Lisa Stardust, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for aspiration 
William Mullane, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024
The 11th house: This place showcases the humanitarian and charitable work being done, as well as our friendships, social lives, hopes, and aspirations.
—Lisa Stardust, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for aspiration
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aspiration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near aspiration
Cite this Entry
“Aspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aspiration. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
aspiration
noun
as·pi·ra·tion
ˌas-pə-ˈrā-shən
1
: pronunciation with or as an aspirate
2
: a drawing of something in, out, up, or through by suction
3
a
: a strong desire to achieve something high or great
b
: an object of such desire
Medical Definition
aspiration
noun
as·pi·ra·tion
ˌas-pə-ˈrā-shən
: a drawing of something in, out, up, or through by or as if by suction: as
a
: the act of breathing and especially of breathing in
b
: the withdrawal of fluid or friable tissue from the body
c
: the taking of foreign matter into the lungs with the respiratory current
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