exhale

verb

ex·​hale eks-ˈhāl 

ek-ˈsāl

exhaled; exhaling

intransitive verb

1

: to rise or be given off as vapor

2

: to emit breath or vapor

transitive verb

1

a

: to breathe out

She exhaled a sigh.

b

: to give forth (gaseous matter) : emit

2

archaic : to cause to be emitted in vapor

Synonyms of exhale

• expel
• blow (out)

Examples of exhale in a Sentence

She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, trying to relax.

before answering, the suspect exhaled a cloud of cigarette smoke

Recent Examples on the Web

Some families described feeling emotionally lighter afterward, as if parts of them had finally exhaled. —Essence, 6 May 2026

On a street by the harbor, crowds of people were squinting into the distance, exclaiming every time the whale exhaled. —Jessica Camille Aguirre, New Yorker, 2 May 2026

People with higher metabolic rates — those exercising, drinking alcohol or pregnant — exhale more CO2 and become prime targets, according to Our Blood Institute. —Ryan Brennan may 1, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026

Following a whirlwind that had to feel like a blur at times, Coby White can exhale somewhat. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English exalen, from Latin exhalare, from ex- + halare to breathe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Rhymes for exhale

• airmail
• assail
• avail
• bewail
• blackmail
• cattail
• cocktail
• curtail
• derail
• detail
• dovetail
• email

Kids Definition

exhale

verb

ex·​hale eks-ˈhāl 

exhaled; exhaling

1

: to breathe out

2

: to send forth (as gas or odor)

Medical Definition

exhale

verb

ex·​hale eks-ˈ(h)ā(ə)l 

exhaled; exhaling

intransitive verb

: to emit breath or vapor

transitive verb

: to breathe out