inhale

verb

in·​hale in-ˈhāl 

inhaled; inhaling

transitive verb

1

: to draw in by breathing

2

: to take in eagerly or greedily

… inhaled about four meals at once.

—Ring Lardner

intransitive verb

: to breathe in

inhale

in-ˈhāl 

ˈin-ˌhāl

noun

Synonyms of inhale

• devour
• gulp
• cram

Examples of inhale in a Sentence

This medicine can now be inhaled.

She inhaled the fresh country air.

He inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, trying to relax.

After inhaling their dinner, the children ran out the door without even saying goodbye.

Recent Examples on the Web

Put a drop or two in your palms, rub them together, and inhale the calming lavender-vanilla scent for a nice little reset. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 23 July 2026

There's been a drastic increase Fine particulates and gases, including carbon monoxide, are inhaled and can lodge deep within the lungs, causing inflammation and irritation. — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 19 July 2026

In many cases, people contract the disease by inhaling tiny droplets of contaminated water. — ABC News, 17 July 2026

Other behaviors that put autistic children at risk of drowning include drinking water while swimming, which puts them at risk for accidentally inhaling water; and holding their breath for prolonged periods, which can lead to fainting underwater. — Tana Carson, The Conversation, 17 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

in- + exhale

First Known Use

1725, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for inhale

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

Kids Definition

inhale

verb

in·​hale in-ˈhā(ə)l 

inhaled; inhaling

1

: to draw in by breathing

2

: to breathe in

Medical Definition

inhale

verb

in·​hale in-ˈhā(ə)l 

inhaled; inhaling

transitive verb

: to draw in by breathing

intransitive verb

: to breathe in