bronchitis

American  

[brong-kahy-tis] / brɒŋˈkaɪ tɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. acute or chronic inflammation of the membrane lining of the bronchial tubes, caused by respiratory infection or exposure to bronchial irritants, as cigarette smoke.

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bronchitis British  

/ brɒŋˈkɪtɪk, brɒŋˈkaɪtɪs /

noun

1. inflammation of the bronchial tubes, characterized by coughing, difficulty in breathing, etc, caused by infection or irritation of the respiratory tract

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bronchitis Scientific  

/ brŏng-kī′tĭs /

1. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes, often as a result of a cold or other viral infection. Smoking is also a common cause of chronic bronchitis.

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Other Word Forms

• bronchitic adjective

Etymology

Origin of bronchitis

From New Latin, dating back to 1812; bronch-, -itis

Compare meaning

How does bronchitis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• laryngitis vs. bronchitis

Example Sentences

The infant had bronchitis, he said, and was unresponsive for hours before being discharged.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2026

His son, Ali, said he worked as a security guard at the plant but left in 2020 with severe bronchitis.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

For years, Gracie lived with plastic bronchitis, a condition that causes thick, protein-like material to build up in the airways.

From Science Daily • Dec. 19, 2025

Long-term exposure can result in lung inflammation, chronic bronchitis and chronic emphysema.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2025

Because of the wading in the cold water of the river, she developed bronchitis.

From "Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad" by Ann Petry