noun
-
the act of inhaling; breathing in of air or other vapours
-
an inhalant formulation
-
The act of taking in breath. Inhalation results from the negative pressure in the lungs caused by contraction of the diaphragm, which causes it to move downwards and to expand the chest cavity. The resulting flow of air into the lungs restores a pressure equal to that of the atmosphere.
-
Also called inspiration
-
Compare exhalation
Etymology
Origin of inhalation
Compare meaning
How does inhalation compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
An inhalation is an inward breath. When you swim to the surface of a pool after being under water, you'll take a deep inhalation. The inhalation of gas fumes is bad for you, while inhalation of scents like peppermint can be very relaxing. If you've ever taken a yoga class, you know there's a lot of talk about breathing, inhalation and exhalation (breathing out). Inhalation comes from the verb inhale, "to breathe in," from the Latin inhalare, "breathe upon."
Vocabulary lists containing inhalation
This Week in Words: Current Events Vocabulary for April 22–April 28, 2023
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Part 3 Vocabulary (Unit 5)
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Shut Up, This Is Serious
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Hantavirus is a rare but deadly disease that attacks the lungs and is typically contracted by humans through inhalation of particles contaminated with the urine, feces or saliva of a wild rodent.
From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026
During the outbreak, people appeared to be infected mostly "through inhalation of droplets", it added.
From Barron's • May 7, 2026
Zampella, best known for co-creating the popular “Call of Duty” video game franchise and launching “Apex Legends” studio Respawn Entertainment, died of thermal injuries and smoke inhalation, according to the medical examiner’s database.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026
More than 200 crew members were assessed for smoke inhalation and later returned to duty after the fire broke out on 2 March, US officials said.
From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026
An inhalation room treated the respiratory system and asthma, and there were detoxifying baths using mud from the nearby springs.
From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
