exhalation

noun

ex·​ha·​la·​tion ˌeks-hə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce exhalation (audio)
ˌek-sə-
1
: something exhaled or given off : emanation
2
: an act of exhaling

Examples of exhalation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web After the male hysteria of the hours before, there was a feeling of exhalation. Aatish Taseer, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2023 Much was said and written following the midterm elections, in a collective exhalation of relief, after the highest-profile election deniers were defeated in several key states. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2023 This high-pitched whistling noise happens during exhalation because of a blockage in the lung passages. Nicole Harris, Parents, 25 Aug. 2023 That is, rhythmic crying isn’t produced by a series of exhalations, but rather from one long exhalation with several interruptions. Greg Miller, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2022 Patricia’s exhalation of smoke filled the air with a comforting smell. Hazlitt, 26 July 2023 One of the most moving sounds that is heard is the long exhalation of Jin Maley’s Ariel after Prospero sets this attending spirit free. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2023 The eruptions have grown bigger and more frequent in recent weeks — rattling homes with wheezing exhalations that residents compare to steam escaping from a pressure cooker. Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2023 In cyclic hyperventilation, a person breathes in deeply and out quickly — the inhalations are much longer than the exhalations. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 7 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exhalation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exhalation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near exhalation

Cite this Entry

“Exhalation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exhalation. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

exhalation

noun
ex·​ha·​la·​tion ˌeks-(h)ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce exhalation (audio)
1
: something exhaled or given off
2
: the act of exhaling

Medical Definition

exhalation

noun
ex·​ha·​la·​tion ˌeks-(h)ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce exhalation (audio)
1
: the action of forcing air out of the lungs
2
: something (as the breath) that is exhaled or given off

More from Merriam-Webster on exhalation

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