: a chronic lung disorder that is marked by recurring episodes of airway obstruction (as from bronchospasm) manifested by labored breathing accompanied especially by wheezing and coughing and by a sense of constriction in the chest, and that is triggered by hyperreactivity to various stimuli (such as allergens or rapid change in air temperature)
Examples of asthma in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Other research shows that Latino children are 40% more likely to die from asthma than white children in part because many lack consistent healthcare access.
—
Dorany Pineda, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Other research shows that Latino children are 40% more likely to die from asthma than white children in part because many lack consistent health care access.
—Seth Borenstein, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
The film set in the 15th century is certainly not short on atmosphere, thanks to its location shooting in Cornwall and enough fog permeating the proceedings to set off asthma attacks among vulnerable audience members.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 2026
Inulin may help treat or prevent food allergies and asthma.
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 19 Feb. 2026
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Dorany Pineda, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Other research shows that Latino children are 40% more likely to die from asthma than white children in part because many lack consistent health care access.
—Seth Borenstein, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
The film set in the 15th century is certainly not short on atmosphere, thanks to its location shooting in Cornwall and enough fog permeating the proceedings to set off asthma attacks among vulnerable audience members.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 2026
Inulin may help treat or prevent food allergies and asthma.
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for asthma
Cite this Entry
“Asthma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asthma. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
asthma
noun
asth·ma
ˈaz-mə 
: a condition that is marked by difficulty in breathing with wheezing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and coughing
Medical Definition
asthma
noun
asth·ma
ˈaz-mə
: a chronic lung disorder that is marked by recurring episodes of airway obstruction (as from bronchospasm) manifested by labored breathing accompanied especially by wheezing and coughing and by a sense of constriction in the chest, and that is triggered by hyperreactivity to various stimuli (as allergens or rapid change in air temperature)
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