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

Given that lung capacity naturally declines with age, and that rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer are increasing among women, adopting habits that support healthy lung function is becoming increasingly important. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 8 Dec. 2025

Multiple studies also show a greater risk of respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) following menopause, particularly premature menopause. —Sashikala Vp, CNN Money, 4 Dec. 2025

Spinal cord injuries, strokes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis have left tens of thousands of Americans permanently dependent on ventilators. —Jordan Rau, NPR, 29 Nov. 2025

Mark your calendar November is awareness month for diabetes, bladder health, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary hypertension, epilepsy and cancers of the lungs, stomach and pancreas. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025

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