intubation
noun
in·tu·ba·tion
ˌin-(ˌ)tü-ˈbā-shən 
-(ˌ)tyü-
-tə-
-(ˌ)tyü-
-tə-
plural intubations
: the introduction of a tube into a hollow organ or part (such as the trachea or stomach) especially to maintain an open passage or gain access to the interior
endotracheal/nasogastric intubation
… the neonate experienced respiratory distress that required intubation.—
Paul J. Benke
Paul J. BenkeExamples of intubation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This process, called intubation, keeps the airway open so that oxygen can flow again.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Tissue samples from Fern Franco’s remains, obtained by a search warrant, revealed the presence of both morphine, which suppresses respiration, along with the drug succinylcholine, a paralytic used to relax skeletal muscles as during intubation.
—Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2025
Standard intubation tools require clinicians to lift this flap using a rigid metal laryngoscope.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
His owners believe George suffered a punctured trachea during anesthesia intubation.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for intubation
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Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Tissue samples from Fern Franco’s remains, obtained by a search warrant, revealed the presence of both morphine, which suppresses respiration, along with the drug succinylcholine, a paralytic used to relax skeletal muscles as during intubation.
—Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2025
Standard intubation tools require clinicians to lift this flap using a rigid metal laryngoscope.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
His owners believe George suffered a punctured trachea during anesthesia intubation.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for intubation
Cite this Entry
“Intubation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intubation. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
intubation
noun
in·tu·ba·tion
ˌin-(ˌ)t(y)ü-ˈbā-shən
-tə-
-tə-
: the introduction of a tube into a hollow organ or part (such as the trachea or stomach) especially to maintain an open passage or gain access to the interior
endotracheal/nasogastric intubation
The patient's respiratory rate diminished, requiring intubation within 20 minutes after arrival to the emergency department.—The Journal of the American Medical Association
The Journal of the American Medical AssociationThat relieves me of the necessity of asking whether he has ever needed intubation—that extreme point where an asthmatic can no longer breathe for himself and needs a tube put down his airways so that a ventilator can do the work for him.—Perri Klass, Discover
compare extubation
Perri Klass, DiscoverLove words? Need even more definitions?
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