decongestion

noun

de·​con·​ges·​tion ˌdē-kən-ˈjes-chən How to pronounce decongestion (audio)
-ˈjesh-
: the process of relieving congestion
decongest
ˌdē-kən-ˈjest How to pronounce decongestion (audio)
transitive verb
decongestive
ˌdē-kən-ˈje-stiv How to pronounce decongestion (audio)
adjective

Examples of decongestion 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.
Gone is all mention of safety, decongestion, the environment, etc. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 18 June 2024 Lemon essential oil provides a nice, citrusy scent while also purportedly promoting lymphatic decongestion, which may lead to a leaner look for the buttocks, abs, and thighs. — Maddie Aberman, Women's Health, 27 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decongestion was in 1908

Rhymes for decongestion

See All Rhymes for decongestion

Browse Nearby Words

decongestant
decongestion
deconglomerate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decongestion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decongestion. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Medical Definition

decongestion

noun
de·​con·​ges·​tion -ˈjes(h)-chən How to pronounce decongestion (audio)
: the process of relieving congestion
decongest
-ˈjest How to pronounce decongestion (audio)
transitive verb
decongestive
-ˈjes-tiv How to pronounce decongestion (audio)
adjective
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
burrowing owl athene cunicularia tilts its head outside its burrow on marco island florida
Guess the Curious Origins of These Everyday Words Oh, that’s where that comes from…
See All