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

In the final scene, the runaway exhales deeply, a moment that offers an ambiguous ending — alluding both to her survival and the unsettling nature of Rodney’s fate. —Jordana Comiter, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024

From the unfussy wine list—it’s printed on a standard white sheet of paper—to the friendly bartenders’ banter, The Carriage’s aim is to help guests exhale, not overthink. —Kate Bernot, Bon Appétit, 16 Oct. 2024

Close your left nostril with your right ring finger and exhale through your right nostril. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 24 July 2024

But even 365 party girls eventually need to slow down and exhale. —Dianna Mazzone Singh, Allure, 4 Oct. 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