inhale

verb

in·​hale in-ˈhāl How to pronounce inhale (audio)
inhaled; inhaling
Synonyms of inhalenext

transitive verb

1
: to draw in by breathing
2
: to take in eagerly or greedily
… inhaled about four meals at once.—Ring Lardner

intransitive verb

: to breathe in
inhale
in-ˈhāl How to pronounce inhale (audio)
ˈin-ˌhāl
noun

Synonyms of inhale

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Examples of inhale in a Sentence

This medicine can now be inhaled. She inhaled the fresh country air. He inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, trying to relax. After inhaling their dinner, the children ran out the door without even saying goodbye.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The fish will inhale the lure and clamp down hard. — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026 When wildfire smoke is inhaled, volatile gases and tiny particles can pass through the lining of the lungs and enter the bloodstream. — Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 24 June 2026 Medicines needing to be inhaled or smoked are prohibited unless in a prescribed inhaler. — Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 16 June 2026 Avoid inhaling the dust—even food-grade—as prolonged exposure can irritate the lungs, says Harlow-Ellis. — Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inhale

Word History

Etymology

in- + exhale

First Known Use

1725, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inhale was in 1725

Rhymes for inhale

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Browse Nearby Words

inhalator
inhale
inhaler
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inhale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inhale. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inhale

verb
in·​hale in-ˈhā(ə)l How to pronounce inhale (audio)
inhaled; inhaling
1
: to draw in by breathing
2
: to breathe in

Medical Definition

inhale

verb
in·​hale in-ˈhā(ə)l How to pronounce inhale (audio)
inhaled; inhaling

transitive verb

: to draw in by breathing

intransitive verb

: to breathe in

More from Merriam-Webster on inhale

Nglish: Translation of inhale for Spanish Speakers

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