tracheostomy

noun

tra·​che·​os·​to·​my ˌtrā-kē-ˈä-stə-mē 

plural tracheostomies

: the surgical formation of an opening into the trachea through the neck especially to allow the passage of air

Examples of tracheostomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Haidar’s voice is hoarse and strained, the result of an emergency tracheostomy, a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the neck to aid breathing. —Megan Feringa, New York Times, 2 May 2025

The process left him with a tracheostomy tube that made speaking difficult. —Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025

The actor, 61, had to undergo chemotherapy, radiation and a tracheostomy that took away much of his ability to speak. —Kara Warner, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Travis was placed on life support and given a one percent chance of survival after his lungs subsequently collapsed, followed by three bouts of pneumonia, three tracheostomies and two brain surgeries. —Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 27 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1923, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tracheostomy

• potawatomi
• bonhomie
• naomi
• salome
• colostomy
• lobotomy
• foamy
• homey
• komi
• loamy

Medical Definition

tracheostomy

noun

tra·​che·​os·​to·​my ˌtrā-kē-ˈäst-ə-mē 

plural tracheostomies

: the surgical formation of an opening into the trachea through the neck especially to allow the passage of air

also : the opening itself