inhale

verb

in·​hale in-ˈhāl How to pronounce inhale (audio)
inhaled; inhaling

transitive verb

1
: to draw in by breathing
2
: to take in eagerly or greedily
inhaled about four meals at onceRing Lardner

intransitive verb

: to breathe in
inhale
in-ˈhāl How to pronounce inhale (audio)
ˈin-ˌhāl
noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Miners argue increased subjection to the dust has led to an eruption of black lung, an incurable disease associated with inhaling the particles. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025 Amy Louise Leonard, 20, a makeup artist from Greater Manchester in England, lost the ability to walk for three weeks after inhaling a balloon filled with nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas. Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025 Some older people or those who are frail may not be able to generate enough of a strong, quick breath to effectively inhale the dry powdered version of the medicine. Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025 Previous research has found that TCE, when inhaled or ingested, can easily cross the blood-brain barrier and cause damage to neurons. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inhale

Word History

Etymology

in- + exhale

First Known Use

1725, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inhale was in 1725

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inhale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inhale. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

inhale

verb
in·​hale in-ˈhā(ə)l How to pronounce inhale (audio)
inhaled; inhaling
1
: to draw in by breathing
2
: to breathe in

Medical Definition

inhale

verb
in·​hale in-ˈhā(ə)l How to pronounce inhale (audio)
inhaled; inhaling

transitive verb

: to draw in by breathing

intransitive verb

: to breathe in

More from Merriam-Webster on inhale

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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