inhale

verb

in·​hale in-ˈhāl How to pronounce inhale (audio)
inhaled; inhaling

transitive verb

1
: to draw in by breathing
2
: to take in eagerly or greedily
inhaled about four meals at onceRing Lardner

intransitive verb

: to breathe in
inhale
in-ˈhāl How to pronounce inhale (audio)
ˈin-ˌhāl
noun

Examples of inhale in a Sentence

This medicine can now be inhaled. She inhaled the fresh country air. He inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, trying to relax. After inhaling their dinner, the children ran out the door without even saying goodbye.
Recent Examples on the Web But inhaling nitrous oxide can deliver a short-lasting high, and a 2022 study published by the National Library of Medicine found recreational nitrous oxide use has increased in recent decades. Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 28 Feb. 2024 Asbestos fibers can cause a host of lung problems when inhaled. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2024 When inhaled, the spores can cause severe illness in humans and some animal species, including dogs. Zoya Teirstein, WIRED, 17 Feb. 2024 Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by inhaling Legionella bacteria found in water. Staff Report, Twin Cities, 13 Feb. 2024 This microscopic debris is small enough to pass into the bloodstream after being inhaled. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2024 Roses are grown easiest with the help of pesticides, which is not a safety concern unless the flower is being used to inhale and smoke. Harrison Bard, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2024 Medicines needing to be inhaled or smoked are prohibited unless in a prescribed inhaler. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 27 Feb. 2024 They can be taken by mouth, inhaled or injected, and all of these forms can come with side effects. Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

in- + exhale

First Known Use

1725, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inhale was in 1725

Dictionary Entries Near inhale

Cite this Entry

“Inhale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inhale. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inhale

verb
in·​hale in-ˈhā(ə)l How to pronounce inhale (audio)
inhaled; inhaling
1
: to draw in by breathing
2
: to breathe in

Medical Definition

inhale

verb
in·​hale in-ˈhā(ə)l How to pronounce inhale (audio)
inhaled; inhaling

transitive verb

: to draw in by breathing

intransitive verb

: to breathe in

More from Merriam-Webster on inhale

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