exhale

verb

ex·​hale eks-ˈhāl How to pronounce exhale (audio)
ek-ˈsāl
exhaled; exhaling

intransitive verb

1
: to rise or be given off as vapor
2
: to emit breath or vapor

transitive verb

1
a
: to breathe out
she exhaled a sigh
b
: to give forth (gaseous matter) : emit
2
archaic : to cause to be emitted in vapor

Examples of exhale in a Sentence

She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, trying to relax. before answering, the suspect exhaled a cloud of cigarette smoke
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.
During this exercise, exhale on the twist so your core contracts with greater intensity. Jakob Roze, Health, 26 Feb. 2025 In Amato’s lab, a graduate student may exhale germs into a test tube. Carl Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Feb. 2025 These include diaphragmatic breathing (inhaling slowly through your nose then exhaling slowly through your mouth) and box breathing (inhaling for a count of four, holding your breath for four counts, then exhaling for four counts). Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 24 Feb. 2025 There are many breathing techniques, but two of the easiest to remember are: • 4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale for four counts, hold for seven counts and exhale for eight counts. Dr. Kyle Elliott, Mpa, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exhale

Word History

Etymology

Middle English exalen, from Latin exhalare, from ex- + halare to breathe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Exhale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exhale. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

exhale

verb
ex·​hale eks-ˈhāl How to pronounce exhale (audio)
exhaled; exhaling
1
: to breathe out
2
: to send forth (as gas or odor)

Medical Definition

exhale

verb
ex·​hale eks-ˈ(h)ā(ə)l How to pronounce exhale (audio)
exhaled; exhaling

intransitive verb

: to emit breath or vapor

transitive verb

: to breathe out

More from Merriam-Webster on exhale

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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