inhale

verb

in·​hale in-ˈhāl 

inhaled; inhaling

transitive verb

1

: to draw in by breathing

2

: to take in eagerly or greedily

inhaled about four meals at once

—Ring Lardner

intransitive verb

: to breathe in

inhale

in-ˈhāl 

ˈin-ˌhāl

noun

Synonyms

• bolt
• cram
• devour
• glut [archaic]
• gobble
• gorge
• gormandize
• gulp
• ingurgitate
• raven
• scarf
• scoff
• slop
• wolf

Examples of inhale in a Sentence

This medicine can now be inhaled.

She inhaled the fresh country air.

He inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, trying to relax.

After inhaling their dinner, the children ran out the door without even saying goodbye.

Recent Examples on the Web

The medication may be inhaled or administered through an IV. —Scott Sundick, Verywell Health, 3 June 2024

For example, people who overproduce mucus in response to dirty air may be helped by inhaling hypertonic saline solution. —Linda Carroll, TIME, 30 May 2024

The virus can also be inhaled via droplets or dust. —Heather Moore, The Mercury News, 28 May 2024

So the virus could potentially be transmitted through direct contact, ingesting contaminated feed or water, or inhaling the virus. —Todd Cornish, The Conversation, 25 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

in- + exhale

First Known Use

1725, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

inhale

verb

in·​hale in-ˈhā(ə)l 

inhaled; inhaling

1

: to draw in by breathing

2

: to breathe in

Medical Definition

inhale

verb

in·​hale in-ˈhā(ə)l 

inhaled; inhaling

transitive verb

: to draw in by breathing

intransitive verb

: to breathe in