inhalation

noun

in·​ha·​la·​tion ˌin-hə-ˈlā-shən 

ˌi-nə-ˈlā-

1

: the act or an instance of inhaling

2

: material (such as medication) to be taken in by inhaling

inhalational

ˌin-hə-ˈlā-sh(ə-)nəl 

ˌi-nə-ˈlā-

adjective

Examples of inhalation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The rest of the student body sheltered in place as two patients were evaluated for inhalation, according to the LACoFD. —Julie Sharp, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025

Because the buffing, spraying and swirling actions required to use powders and sprays increase the risk of inhalation. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 11 Dec. 2025

Nitazenes can be ingested intravenously, intranasally, orally, sublingually, and by inhalation (vaping). —Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2025

It is typically caused by the inhalation of asbestos, and the disease can develop 15 to 40 years after exposure. —Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing inhalation

• smoke inhalation

Rhymes for inhalation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

inhalation

noun

in·​ha·​la·​tion ˌin-(h)ə-ˈlā-shən 

: the act or instance of inhaling

Medical Definition

inhalation

noun

in·​ha·​la·​tion ˌin-(h)ə-ˈlā-shən, ˌin-ᵊl-ˈā- 

1

: the act or an instance of inhaling

specifically : the action of drawing air into the lungs by means of a complex of essentially reflex actions that involve changes in the diaphragm and in muscles of the abdomen and thorax which cause enlargement of the chest cavity and lungs resulting in production of relatively negative pressure within the lungs so that air flows in until the pressure is restored to equality with that of the atmosphere

2

: material (as medication) to be taken in by inhaling

inhalational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective