1
a
: one of the usually paired compound saccular thoracic organs that constitute the basic respiratory organs of an air-breathing vertebrate
b
: any of various respiratory organs of invertebrates
2
a
: a device enabling individuals abandoning a submarine to rise to the surface
b
: a mechanical device for regularly introducing fresh air into and withdrawing stale air from the lung : respirator compare iron lung
lungful noun

Examples of lung in a Sentence

He filled his lungs with the clean. fresh air.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
These patients can develop serious complications such as pneumonia, or infection of the lung; as well as bronchiolitis, or inflammation of the airways. Omer Awan, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 Increasing research evidence suggests that ultrafine particles can affect heart function, causing hardening of arteries, lung inflammation, and systemic inflammation. Discover Magazine, 1 Nov. 2024 These bacteria can damage the lining of the respiratory tract, including the throat, windpipe, and lungs. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 By Jamie Ducharme October 30, 2024 7:22 AM EDT Small cell lung cancer is aggressive and chemotherapy often offers diminishing returns. Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lung 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lunge, from Old English lungen; akin to Old High German lungun lung, līhti light in weight — more at light

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of lung was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near lung

Cite this Entry

“Lung.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lung. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lung

noun
1
a
: one of the usually paired organs forming the special breathing structure of vertebrates that breathe air
b
: any of various respiratory organs of invertebrates
2
: a device (as an iron lung) to promote breathing and make it easier

Medical Definition

lung

noun
1
a
: one of the usually two compound saccular organs that constitute the basic respiratory organ of air-breathing vertebrates, that normally occupy the entire lateral parts of the thorax and consist essentially of an inverted tree of intricately branched bronchioles communicating with thin-walled terminal alveoli swathed in a network of delicate capillaries where the actual gaseous exchange of respiration takes place, and that in humans are somewhat flattened with a broad base resting against the diaphragm and have the right lung divided into three lobes and the left into two lobes
b
: any of various respiratory organs of invertebrates
2
: a mechanical device for regularly introducing fresh air into and withdrawing stale air from the lungs : respirator see iron lung
lunged adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on lung

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