inhale

[ in-heyl ]

verb (used with object)

, in·haled, in·hal·ing.

1. to breathe in; draw in by breathing:

   to inhale the polluted air.

verb (used without object)

, in·haled, in·hal·ing.

1. to breathe in, especially the smoke of cigarettes, cigars, etc.:

   Do you inhale when you smoke?

inhale

/ ɪnˈheɪl /

verb

1. to draw (breath) into the lungs; breathe in

Other Words From

• unin·haled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of inhale¹

First recorded in 1715–25; in- ² + (ex)hale

Word History and Origins

Origin of inhale¹

C18: from in- ² + Latin halāre to breathe

Example Sentences

If you are not wearing a mask or you lower it for a moment, you will immediately inhale the bitter air.

From BBC

TB is bacterial infection spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person.

From BBC

Those most at risk of developing silicosis have inhaled large amounts of silica dust over a period of years.

From BBC

The drug is routinely used by doctors during surgeries, and overdoses typically involve smoking, injecting, or inhaling illicit fentanyl.

From Los Angeles Times

Environmental groups say the testing demonstrates that these chemicals are drifting into nearby communities and being inhaled by passersby.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• puff
• smell
• sniff
• snort
• suck in