exhale

verb

ex·​hale eks-ˈhāl 

ek-ˈsāl

exhaled; exhaling

intransitive verb

1

: to rise or be given off as vapor

2

: to emit breath or vapor

transitive verb

1

a

: to breathe out

She exhaled a sigh.

b

: to give forth (gaseous matter) : emit

2

archaic : to cause to be emitted in vapor

Synonyms of exhale

• expel
• blow (out)

Examples of exhale in a Sentence

She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, trying to relax.

before answering, the suspect exhaled a cloud of cigarette smoke

Recent Examples on the Web

Protected from the oppressive sun outside, anyone enjoying a tour inside Raccoon Mountain can expect to fully exhale, relax, and enjoy the cool breezes while touring a gorgeous natural resource lit from within by a knowledgeable guide. — Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 4 July 2026

Mosquitoes are drawn to backyards with standing water, dense greenery, and carbon dioxide exhaled by people and animals. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026

Indeed, Kane stayed committed, which allowed fans here in New Jersey to exhale. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026

Patients then cough and wheeze, especially when exhaling. — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 26 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English exalen, from Latin exhalare, from ex- + halare to breathe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Rhymes for exhale

• airmail
• assail
• avail
• bewail
• blackmail
• cattail
• cocktail
• curtail
• derail
• detail
• dovetail
• email

Kids Definition

exhale

verb

ex·​hale eks-ˈhāl 

exhaled; exhaling

1

: to breathe out

2

: to send forth (as gas or odor)

Medical Definition

exhale

verb

ex·​hale eks-ˈ(h)ā(ə)l 

exhaled; exhaling

intransitive verb

: to emit breath or vapor

transitive verb

: to breathe out