lungs

Cultural

A pair of organs, the principal parts of the respiratory system, at the front of the cavity of the chest, or thorax. In the lungs, oxygen from the air that is inhaled is transferred into the blood, while carbon dioxide is removed from the blood and exhaled.

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.

She had a partial hysterectomy and bowel resection, and the endometriosis spread over her body including into her lungs.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

That could allow muscles, lungs, and the heart to adjust more quickly to increasingly difficult exercise.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

Keeping smoke out of one individual’s lungs is a small benefit compared to keeping smoking out of the public eye.

From Slate • May 15, 2026

A hale and hearty speed signifies that your body’s systems—including your heart, lungs, muscles and nervous system—are working well together.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

He tried to yell at her to stop the broom, but for some reason his lungs wouldn’t work, and he couldn’t get out more than a wheeze.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023