inhale

American  

[in-heyl] / ɪnˈheɪl /

verb (used with object)

inhaled, inhaling

1. to breathe in; draw in by breathing.

   to inhale the polluted air.

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verb (used without object)

inhaled, inhaling

1. to breathe in, especially the smoke of cigarettes, cigars, etc..

   Do you inhale when you smoke?

inhale British  

/ ɪnˈheɪl /

verb

1. to draw (breath) into the lungs; breathe in

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Other Word Forms

• uninhaled
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of inhale

First recorded in 1715–25; in- ² + (ex)hale

Explanation

To inhale is to breathe in. It is the opposite of "exhale," which is to breathe out. When we inhale, we draw air into our lungs through our noses and mouths. Then we exhale, or breathe the air out again. If we do this slowly, as in yoga or meditation, it can be quite relaxing. However, some things like smoke, toxic fumes, or germs might make us sick if we inhale them. And if we accidentally inhale water while we're swimming, it makes us sputter and cough. This is because our lungs are only interested in good, clean air.

Example Sentences

Besides, Inhale argued, drag and country music have often run in the same circles.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 22, 2023

But it’s passive time: Inhale the aromatic, meaty steam while doing something else entirely.

From New York Times • Feb. 18, 2023

Inhale three quick breaths through your nose and fill your diaphragm with air.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2022

While Ms. Berry, owner of Inhale yoga studio in Venice, Calif., offered several tempting retreats, I zeroed in on “Spell of the Sensuous: Yoga + Art + Gastronomia in Italy.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2016

“Breathe. Inhale and exhale. Focus on the love your parents have for you.”

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young

Related Words

• puff
• smell
• sniff
• snort
• suck in