inhalation

noun

in·​ha·​la·​tion ˌin-hə-ˈlā-shən 

ˌi-nə-ˈlā-

1

: the act or an instance of inhaling

2

: material (such as medication) to be taken in by inhaling

inhalational

ˌin-hə-ˈlā-sh(ə-)nəl 

ˌi-nə-ˈlā-

adjective

Examples of inhalation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Public health authorities have already banned people from using leaf blowers to clean up ash because of the inhalation risk, and are advising returning residents to wipe down countertops and other surfaces, and to use a mop to remove ash from floors, instead of a vacuum. —Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025

Keeping yourself safe is the top priority, and that goes for both the inhalation risk and the fire risk. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2024

Mercury-vapor inhalation can be acute and serious, causing everything from pneumonia to hearing loss, brain damage, and respiratory failure. —Sallie Tisdale, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024

The study raises concerns that PFAS used in protective gear to provide water and heat resistance may leach out during use, potentially entering firefighters' bodies through skin contact or inhalation. —Monica Sanders, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing inhalation

• smoke inhalation

Kids Definition

inhalation

noun

in·​ha·​la·​tion ˌin-(h)ə-ˈlā-shən 

: the act or instance of inhaling

Medical Definition

inhalation

noun

in·​ha·​la·​tion ˌin-(h)ə-ˈlā-shən, ˌin-ᵊl-ˈā- 

1

: the act or an instance of inhaling

specifically : the action of drawing air into the lungs by means of a complex of essentially reflex actions that involve changes in the diaphragm and in muscles of the abdomen and thorax which cause enlargement of the chest cavity and lungs resulting in production of relatively negative pressure within the lungs so that air flows in until the pressure is restored to equality with that of the atmosphere

2

: material (as medication) to be taken in by inhaling

inhalational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective