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

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

Due to the way their respiratory systems are constructed, penguins are susceptible to aspergilliosis, caused by a common fungus (or mold) in the environment, Rettenmund said. —Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 31 July 2025

There’s a high concentration of sulfur—not enough to smell strongly, just enough to be good for your respiratory system. —Maggie Fuller, AFAR Media, 1 Apr. 2025

The infection can manifest in the respiratory system or the skin. —Jen Christiansen, Scientific American, 25 June 2025

Exercising, whether aerobic or strength-building, makes your respiratory system stronger and more efficient.4 4. —Carisa Brewster, Verywell Health, 24 Apr. 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