noun
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the act of inhaling; breathing in of air or other vapours
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an inhalant formulation
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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.
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Also called inspiration
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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
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Part 3 Vocabulary (Unit 5)
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Shut Up, This Is Serious
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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.
Short-term exposure to acrolein by inhalation can cause nose and throat irritation and a decreased breathing rate.
From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026
Hantavirus is a rare disease typically transmitted to humans through inhalation of particles contaminated with the urine, droppings or saliva from a rodent.
From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026
During the outbreak, people appeared to be infected mostly "through inhalation of droplets", it added.
From Barron's • May 7, 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
“They said the fire might have triggered the headaches, whether it was smoke inhalation or—or fear,” she finishes lamely.
From "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart
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.
