tracheostomy

noun

tra·​che·​os·​to·​my ˌtrā-kē-ˈä-stə-mē 

plural tracheostomies

: the surgical formation of an opening into the trachea through the neck especially to allow the passage of air

Examples of tracheostomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other videos show Brian’s day-to-day life, how the family renovated their house and his decision-making process around his tracheostomy. —Victoria Edel, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025

Days later, Celine was forced to undergo an emergency tracheostomy, a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the neck to aid breathing. —Megan Feringa, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025

Nicole Orchard, 28, shared footage online of the unpredictable and exhausting reality of being a vent parent—one who has a child on a ventilator 24/7 because of a tracheostomy in his neck. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Three bouts with pneumonia led to a trio of tracheostomies and two brain surgeries, affecting his ability to speak and sing. —Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 6 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1923, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tracheostomy

• potawatomi
• bonhomie
• naomi
• salome
• colostomy
• lobotomy
• foamy
• homey
• komi
• loamy

Medical Definition

tracheostomy

noun

tra·​che·​os·​to·​my ˌtrā-kē-ˈäst-ə-mē 

plural tracheostomies

: the surgical formation of an opening into the trachea through the neck especially to allow the passage of air

also : the opening itself