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 Orca exhalations are smaller and harder to collect. Emily Anthes, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2023 While the study looked at the amount of heat loss for one inhalation and exhalation, the role breathing rate plays remains unclear. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Dec. 2023 With a long exhalation, Ola tapped the direct message button on the account and shakily wrote a message. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2023 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

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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