1
a
: of, relating to, affecting, or occurring in the lungs
pulmonary tissue
pulmonary edema
b
: carried on by the lungs
pulmonary respiration
2
3
: occurring in the pulmonary artery
a pulmonary embolism

Examples of pulmonary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Her cause of death was determined to be a pulmonary embolism caused by deep vein thrombosis (DVT), in which a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks an artery, the BBC reported. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026 She was diagnosed with chronic pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, an incurable lung condition that led to her wearing a nasal cannula, or oxygen breathing tube, for some public appearances before her transplant. Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2026 If fluid starts pooling in your lungs (known as high-altitude pulmonary edema) or in your brain (high-altitude cerebral edema), get medical attention as soon as possible. Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2026 Those with anatomic pulmonary abnormalities or neuromuscular disorders. Anna Halkidis, Parents, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pulmonary

Word History

Etymology

Latin pulmonarius, from pulmon-, pulmo lung; akin to Greek pleumōn lung, Sanskrit kloman right lung

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of pulmonary was in 1704

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pulmonary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pulmonary. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: relating to, affecting, or occurring in the lungs
2
: carried on by the lungs
pulmonary respiration

Medical Definition

: relating to, functioning like, associated with, or carried on by the lungs
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