respiratory

American  

[res-per-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, ri-spahyuhr-uh-] / ˈrɛs pər əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i, rɪˈspaɪər ə- /

adjective

1. pertaining to or serving for respiration.

   respiratory disease.

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respiratory British  

/ -trɪ, ˈrɛspərətərɪ, ˌrɛspəˈreɪʃənəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or affecting respiration or the organs used in respiration

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Etymology

Origin of respiratory

1780–90; < Late Latin respīrātōrius, equivalent to Latin respīrā ( re ) to respire + -tōrius -tory ¹

Explanation

The word respiratory is an adjective describing anything related to respiration: how we breathe. In addition to the nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems, the body has a respiratory system: this is how we get and use oxygen, which we need to survive. The respiratory system also expels carbon dioxide, which we don’t use. The main respiratory organs are the lungs. Asthma and bronchitis are respiratory diseases, because they make breathing difficult. When you see the word respiratory, just take a deep breath and you’ll remember the meaning.

Example Sentences

In one instance, it referred a case of impending respiratory failure to overnight evaluation instead of an ER.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

We followed these children over several years, documenting respiratory health symptoms and lung function measurements, in addition to household, lifestyle and behavioral factors.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Burning wood, coal and biomass indoors exposes families to high levels of smoke and toxic particles, increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

"For severe lung damage caused by respiratory viruses or infections, even in acute settings, a lung transplant can be lifesaving."

From Science Daily • Mar. 18, 2026

I was diagnosed with hypothermia, respiratory problems, and a brain injury that never showed on the scans.

From "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart