asthma

noun

asth·​ma ˈaz-mə How to pronounce asthma (audio)
 British  ˈas-
: a chronic lung disorder that is marked by recurring episodes of airway obstruction (as from bronchospasm) manifested by labored breathing accompanied especially by wheezing and coughing and by a sense of constriction in the chest, and that is triggered by hyperreactivity to various stimuli (such as allergens or rapid change in air temperature)
asthmatic
az-ˈma-tik How to pronounce asthma (audio)
 British  as-
adjective or noun
asthmatically
az-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce asthma (audio)
 British  as-
adverb

Examples of asthma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But gas combustion still results in harmful pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, which the American Lung Assn. says can cause asthma attacks and reduced lung function. Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025 After her death in 2006 from an asthma attack, the then 30-year-old Jason was left raising their young children, Jack and Sarah. Meg Walters, Glamour, 21 May 2025 Allergies and Asthma Allergies and allergic asthma symptoms occur when the immune system overreacts to environmental triggers, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025 Their mother, Margaret Fitzpatrick, died unexpectedly in 2006 from a reported asthma attack, when Jack was only 2 years old and Sarah was a newborn. Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for asthma

Word History

Etymology

Middle English asma, borrowed from Medieval Latin asma, asthma, borrowed from Greek ásthma "panting, shortness of breath, asthma (as a medical condition)," of uncertain origin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of asthma was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Asthma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asthma. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

asthma

noun
asth·​ma ˈaz-mə How to pronounce asthma (audio)
: a condition that is marked by difficulty in breathing with wheezing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and coughing
asthmatic adjective or noun
asthmatically adverb

Medical Definition

asthma

noun
asth·​ma ˈaz-mə How to pronounce asthma (audio)
: a chronic lung disorder that is marked by recurring episodes of airway obstruction (as from bronchospasm) manifested by labored breathing accompanied especially by wheezing and coughing and by a sense of constriction in the chest, and that is triggered by hyperreactivity to various stimuli (as allergens or rapid change in air temperature)

More from Merriam-Webster on asthma

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