chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

noun

: pulmonary disease (such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis) that is characterized by chronic typically irreversible airway obstruction resulting in a slowed rate of exhalation

—abbreviation COPD

Examples of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Patchen studies how omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D — another nutrient that fish is rich in — are associated with better lung function and lower risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema. — Diana Anos, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

The document lists the underlying cause as respiratory arrest with other significant conditions contributing to death including cerebellar metastasis, hypoxia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026

Smoke from fireworks can worsen symptoms and cause flare-ups in those who have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026

Cathleen Dayton was diagnosed with COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in 2013. — Janelle Burrell, CBS News, 28 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

• abcs
• absentees
• addressees
• adoptees
• allottees
• amputees
• antifreeze
• appellees
• appointees
• arrestees
• artistes
• assamese

Medical Definition

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

noun

variants also chronic obstructive lung disease

: pulmonary disease (as emphysema or chronic bronchitis) that is characterized by chronic typically irreversible airway obstruction resulting in a slowed rate of exhalation

called also COPD