intubation
noun
in·tu·ba·tion
ˌin-(ˌ)tü-ˈbā-shən 
-(ˌ)tyü-
-tə-
-(ˌ)tyü-
-tə-
plural intubations
: the introduction of a tube into a hollow organ or part (such as the trachea or stomach) especially to maintain an open passage or gain access to the interior
endotracheal/nasogastric intubation
… the neonate experienced respiratory distress that required intubation.—
Paul J. Benke
Paul J. BenkeExamples of intubation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
If swelling is severe and emergency intubation is needed, your healthcare provider might need to perform a tracheostomy.
—Francisco J. Rivera Rosario, Health, 11 Mar. 2025
Medical care can include intubation and mechanical ventilation to support breathing and manage fluid in the lungs, as well as blood oxygenation, according to the Mayo Clinic.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
Doctors often use noninvasive ventilation to stave off intubation or the use of more invasive mechanical ventilation.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
Doctors have not indicated whether intubation is being considered as an option.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intubation
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Francisco J. Rivera Rosario, Health, 11 Mar. 2025
Medical care can include intubation and mechanical ventilation to support breathing and manage fluid in the lungs, as well as blood oxygenation, according to the Mayo Clinic.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
Doctors often use noninvasive ventilation to stave off intubation or the use of more invasive mechanical ventilation.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
Doctors have not indicated whether intubation is being considered as an option.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intubation
Cite this Entry
“Intubation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intubation. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
intubation
noun
in·tu·ba·tion
ˌin-(ˌ)t(y)ü-ˈbā-shən
-tə-
-tə-
: the introduction of a tube into a hollow organ or part (such as the trachea or stomach) especially to maintain an open passage or gain access to the interior
endotracheal/nasogastric intubation
The patient's respiratory rate diminished, requiring intubation within 20 minutes after arrival to the emergency department.—The Journal of the American Medical Association
The Journal of the American Medical AssociationThat relieves me of the necessity of asking whether he has ever needed intubation—that extreme point where an asthmatic can no longer breathe for himself and needs a tube put down his airways so that a ventilator can do the work for him.—Perri Klass, Discover
compare extubation
Perri Klass, DiscoverLove words? Need even more definitions?
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