inhale

American  

[in-heyl] / ɪnˈheɪl /

verb (used with object)

inhaled, inhaling

1. to breathe in; draw in by breathing.

   to inhale the polluted air.

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verb (used without object)

inhaled, inhaling

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

   Do you inhale when you smoke?

inhale British  

/ ɪnˈheɪl /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• uninhaled adjective

Etymology

Origin of inhale

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

Example Sentences

She remembered her moshom’s advice to breathe and took a few moments to inhale and exhale slowly.

From Literature

I know she’s taking Nate’s side, though, when she inhales a breath and then her lips press into a thin line.

From Literature

Then came the wind, the sucking inhale of a closing door.

From Literature

While these approaches worked, they raised safety concerns because the materials can be dangerous if inhaled during manufacturing.

From Science Daily

Her agitation grew as she listed the indignities, but then she inhaled and pressed her lips together as if trying to compose herself.

From Literature

Related Words

• puff
• smell
• sniff
• snort
• suck in