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

Whether your self-care glimmers involve inhaling lavender oil or taking a bubble bath, make sure there are plenty sprinkled throughout your day to introduce calm. —Danielle Winston, Flow Space, 24 Nov. 2025

Instead, a heating element converts a nicotine liquid into a vapor that is inhaled. —NPR, 21 Nov. 2025

Jet fuels and other petroleum products are refined from crude oil, and contain chemicals that are toxic to humans when inhaled. —Connor Giffin, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Nov. 2025

Sprays are easy to apply to skin or clothing but must be used with caution as they can also be inhaled. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2025

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