inhale

[in-heyl]

verb (used with object)

inhaled, inhaling 

1. to breathe in; draw in by breathing.

   to inhale the polluted air.

verb (used without object)

inhaled, inhaling 

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 Word Forms

• uninhaled 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

We are inhaling poor quality air because of the damp, the mould and the dust,'' he said.

From BBC

“By 3 in the afternoon, crews were struggling to hold it,” the employee said through a hacking cough, attributing it to smoke inhaled that chaotic day.

From Los Angeles Times

These solvents evaporate quickly and can be easily inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

From Salon

It warned that beyond the "contaminated water and soil, contaminants from the spilled mine tailings may also become airborne, posing a health threat if inhaled".

From BBC

During half-time of the first British and Irish Lions' Test against Australia last month, Lions flanker Tadhg Beirne was shown inhaling smelling salts as the rest of the team huddled up.

From BBC

Related Words

• puff 
• smell 
• sniff 
• snort 
• suck in