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

The new alternatives boast reduced levels of crystalline silica, a mineral that can cause an incurable disease called silicosis if workers inhale tiny particles of dust from cutting and grinding stone.

From Los Angeles Times

I’ll light someone’s cigarette and I won’t inhale it, but I feel like I can taste it and enjoy it way more than when I smoked.

From Los Angeles Times

“Today it is killing the plants, in a while it will be us, because we inhale so much,” she says.

From BBC

Harm reduction charity Cranstoun says the best way to stay safe is by not using vapes at all but says if someone does buy a new batch or type of THC vape, they should inhale once and gently, to assess its effects.

From BBC

Related Words

• puff
• smell
• sniff
• snort
• suck in