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inhaler

American  
[in-hey-ler] / ɪnˈheɪ lər /

noun

  1. an apparatus or device used in inhaling medicinal vapors, anesthetics, etc.

  2. a respirator.

  3. a person who inhales.


inhaler British  
/ ɪnˈheɪlə /

noun

  1. a device for breathing in therapeutic vapours through the nose or mouth, esp one for relieving nasal congestion or asthma

  2. a person who inhales

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of inhaler

First recorded in 1770–80; inhale + -er 1

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.

Johnson’s Part D plan only covers Ventolin, for instance, the brand name of the inhaler that she takes.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

GSK is donating six-months’ supply of a respiratory inhaler, and Bristol-Myers will donate six-months’ worth of the blood thinner Eliquis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

Another local tells me her asthma is so bad she has been given an inhaler that is usually for people with COPD, and yet she has never smoked.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2025

I have asthma and came back inside wanting an inhaler after three minutes in whatever you’d call that mixture of smog, smoke, and air.

From Slate • Jan. 9, 2025

He threw himself off the horse and sucked desperately at the inhaler.

From "The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer

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