chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

noun

: pulmonary disease (such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis) that is characterized by chronic typically irreversible airway obstruction resulting in a slowed rate of exhalation
abbreviation COPD

Examples of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 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.
One case was Sharon Dibble, a 75-year-old with many health problems, including kidney failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. J. David McSwane, ProPublica, 7 Dec. 2024 Always a heavy smoker, Obst passed away at age 74 from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 23 Oct. 2024 Deuel's wife, Jacqueline, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the actor died in hospice care on Dec. 22 in Largo, Fla., after struggling with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. EW.com, 27 Dec. 2024 His wife, Jacqueline Deuel, also confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the late actor died in hospice care in Largo, Florida after struggling with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Esther Kang, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was in 1967

Dictionary Entries Near chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Cite this Entry

“Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chronic%20obstructive%20pulmonary%20disease. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Medical Definition

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

noun
variants also chronic obstructive lung disease
: pulmonary disease (as emphysema or chronic bronchitis) that is characterized by chronic typically irreversible airway obstruction resulting in a slowed rate of exhalation

called also COPD

More from Merriam-Webster on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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