respiratory system

noun

: a system of organs functioning in respiration and in humans consisting especially of the nose, nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs

Illustration of respiratory system

• 1 nostril
• 2 nose
• 3 nasal cavity
• 4 nasopharynx
• 5 oropharynx
• 6 larynx
• 7 trachea
• 8 bronchus
• 9 lung

Examples of respiratory system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation to your skin and respiratory system, so ventilate the bathroom by opening a window, keeping the door open, or turning on a fan. — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 25 June 2026

More than two years later, residents of the surrounding community have reported ongoing problems with their lungs, sinuses and respiratory systems and some have passed away, while livestock and pets have also become ill and died, Sykes said. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026

Ammonia is a common industrial chemical that can irritate the eyes and respiratory system when present in elevated concentrations. — Sydney Barragan, Daily News, 19 June 2026

Further research is needed to determine whether blocking the protein is safe and effective within a live, complex human respiratory system. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for respiratory system

• cryptosystem
• ecosystem
• intersystem
• multisystem
• photosystem
• subsystem

Kids Definition

respiratory system

noun

: a system of organs used in breathing that in human beings consists of the nose, nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs

Medical Definition

respiratory system

noun

: a system of organs functioning in respiration and in humans consisting especially of the nose, nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs : respiratory tract