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

Hantavirus is primarily spread by inhaling mouse feces and urine. —Eva Flowe may 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026

Transmission to people generally happens when virus-laden rodent excreta gets stirred up in dust and inhaled—for example, a person sweeping out a shed or garage with a rodent infestation without a mask. —ArsTechnica, 8 May 2026

The virus is carried through water droplets and can by inhaled by neighbors or in some cases spread through touch on things like doorhandles and public surfaces. —Irene Wright, USA Today, 7 May 2026

Hantavirus usually spreads by inhaling contaminated rodent droppings. —Sam McNeil, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 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