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

Example Sentences

The griffin lifted his head and laid it in the crook of Mal’s elbow, and he inhaled her scent.

From Literature

Meadowlark inhales sharply and steps away from me.

From Literature

I inhale a breath of air, but it doesn’t make me feel that much better—and it’s not worth risking Mother’s nerves by staying outside too long, so we return to our cabin.

From Literature

He inhaled the wood scent deeply, let his eyes close, then opened them quickly again to check his skin.

From Literature

And she inhales them at a rate that makes me wonder if she actually has the job she claims to have or spends all day curled up with the Modern Library.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• puff
• smell
• sniff
• snort
• suck in