asthma

noun

asth·​ma ˈaz-mə 

British ˈas-

: 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)

asthmatic

az-ˈma-tik 

British as-

adjective or noun

asthmatically

az-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

British as-

adverb

Examples of asthma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lower risk of asthma and allergies Not allergic to pets? —Yvonne Villasenor, USA Today, 24 June 2026

The World Health Organization identifies cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma and mental health conditions as particularly vulnerable to heat. —Allison Palmer updated June 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2026

Among children with asthma who are treated in emergency departments, about 40% have at least one parent who smokes. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026

Residents of Gary have higher risks for developing asthma and some cancers, and Gary was failing to meet federal air quality standards. —Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 24 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English asma, borrowed from Medieval Latin asma, asthma, borrowed from Greek ásthma "panting, shortness of breath, asthma (as a medical condition)," of uncertain origin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing asthma

• anti-asthma
• bronchial asthma

Rhymes for asthma

• chiasma
• plasma
• histoplasma
• mycoplasma
• toxoplasma
• miasma

Kids 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

asthmatic

az-ˈmat-ik 

adjective or noun

asthmatically

-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

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)