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

If left untreated, hypothermia can cause heart and respiratory system failure, and eventually death. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 26 Jan. 2026

Eventually, the cardiac and respiratory systems could fail and lead to death. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026

For example, the curare plant poisons used by South and Central American hunters paralyzes the respiratory system. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 Jan. 2026

Your Lungs Could Become More Efficient Daily cardio improves the efficiency of your respiratory system and boosts lung capacity, Coviello explained. —Danielle Zickl, Health, 20 Dec. 2025

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