1
a
: one of the usually paired compound saccular thoracic organs that constitute the basic respiratory organs of an air-breathing vertebrate
b
: any of various respiratory organs of invertebrates
2
a
: a device enabling individuals abandoning a submarine to rise to the surface
b
: a mechanical device for regularly introducing fresh air into and withdrawing stale air from the lung : respirator compare iron lung
Examples of lung in a Sentence
He filled his lungs with the clean. fresh air.
Recent Examples on the Web
When the lungs lose their ability to exchange gases, organs receive less oxygen.
—
Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 8 Sep. 2025
Even short periods of convalescence, from one to three days, increase the likelihood of a condition called deep venous thrombosis, which can cause clots to break loose in the extremities and travel through the bloodstream, passing through the heart and lodging in the lungs.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
According to the Cleveland Clinic, chorioamnionitis can lead to severe infection as well as brain or lung problems.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Globally, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer, right behind lung cancer, and fifth leading cancer cause of death, following lung, liver, colorectal and stomach cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
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Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 8 Sep. 2025
Even short periods of convalescence, from one to three days, increase the likelihood of a condition called deep venous thrombosis, which can cause clots to break loose in the extremities and travel through the bloodstream, passing through the heart and lodging in the lungs.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
According to the Cleveland Clinic, chorioamnionitis can lead to severe infection as well as brain or lung problems.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Globally, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer, right behind lung cancer, and fifth leading cancer cause of death, following lung, liver, colorectal and stomach cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lung
Cite this Entry
“Lung.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lung. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lung
noun1
a
: one of the usually paired organs forming the special breathing structure of vertebrates that breathe air
b
: any of various respiratory organs of invertebrates
2
: a device (as an iron lung) to promote breathing and make it easier
Medical Definition
lung
noun1
a
: one of the usually two compound saccular organs that constitute the basic respiratory organ of air-breathing vertebrates, that normally occupy the entire lateral parts of the thorax and consist essentially of an inverted tree of intricately branched bronchioles communicating with thin-walled terminal alveoli swathed in a network of delicate capillaries where the actual gaseous exchange of respiration takes place, and that in humans are somewhat flattened with a broad base resting against the diaphragm and have the right lung divided into three lobes and the left into two lobes
b
: any of various respiratory organs of invertebrates
2
: a mechanical device for regularly introducing fresh air into and withdrawing stale air from the lungs : respirator see iron lung
lunged
adjective
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