asthma

noun

asth·​ma ˈaz-mə How to pronounce asthma (audio)
 British  ˈas-
: a chronic lung disorder that is marked by recurring episodes of airway obstruction (as from bronchospasm) manifested by labored breathing accompanied especially by wheezing and coughing and by a sense of constriction in the chest, and that is triggered by hyperreactivity to various stimuli (such as allergens or rapid change in air temperature)
asthmatic
az-ˈma-tik How to pronounce asthma (audio)
 British  as-
adjective or noun
asthmatically
az-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce asthma (audio)
 British  as-
adverb

Examples of asthma in a Sentence

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.
Kids with asthma and L.A. residents of all ages with preexisting health conditions may be especially at risk of health complications from wildfire smoke. Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025 Without grants, scientists are unable to start any new research, from asthma and pediatric cancer to Covid and Ebola. Erika Edwards, NBC News, 23 Jan. 2025 Respiratory Conditions Chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affect your lungs and airways, causing symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 20 Jan. 2025 According to the National Weather Service (NWS), exposure to particle pollution may trigger asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and cardiovascular complications. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for asthma 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English asma, borrowed from Medieval Latin asma, asthma, borrowed from Greek ásthma "panting, shortness of breath, asthma (as a medical condition)," of uncertain origin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of asthma was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near asthma

Cite this Entry

“Asthma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asthma. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

asthma

noun
asth·​ma ˈaz-mə How to pronounce asthma (audio)
: a condition that is marked by difficulty in breathing with wheezing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and coughing
asthmatic adjective or noun
asthmatically adverb

Medical Definition

asthma

noun
asth·​ma ˈaz-mə How to pronounce asthma (audio)
: a chronic lung disorder that is marked by recurring episodes of airway obstruction (as from bronchospasm) manifested by labored breathing accompanied especially by wheezing and coughing and by a sense of constriction in the chest, and that is triggered by hyperreactivity to various stimuli (as allergens or rapid change in air temperature)

More from Merriam-Webster on asthma

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!