exhale

verb

ex·​hale eks-ˈhāl 

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

Synonyms

• blow (out)
• breathe (out)
• expel
• expire

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

Coach Andy Reid, Mahomes’ teammates and the crowd likely exhaled, too, when Mahomes stood up and requested that the Chiefs offense stay on the field for fourth down. —Nate Taylor, The Athletic, 21 Dec. 2024

In the video, the congresswoman can be seen using the vape pen before realizing that cameras are trained on her, then quickly exhaling and putting the vape pen away. —Max Hauptman, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024

And then, for the first time in weeks, exhale for 48 hours. —Iliana Limón Romero, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024

Then tune in to your breath, inhaling and exhaling slowly through your nose. —Melanie Mannarino, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

exhale

verb

ex·​hale eks-ˈhāl 

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 

exhaled; exhaling

intransitive verb

: to emit breath or vapor

transitive verb

: to breathe out