1
a
: one of the usually paired compound saccular thoracic organs that constitute the basic respiratory organs of an air-breathing vertebrate
b
: any of various respiratory organs of invertebrates
2
a
: a device enabling individuals abandoning a submarine to rise to the surface
b
: a mechanical device for regularly introducing fresh air into and withdrawing stale air from the lung : respirator compare iron lung
Examples of lung in a Sentence
He filled his lungs with the clean. fresh air.
Recent Examples on the Web
This provider can be a primary care provider, an allergist (treats allergies and other conditions of the immune system), or a pulmonary specialist (treats conditions of the lungs and respiratory system).
—
Daniel More, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025
His grandfather — dad to his dad Billy Ray Cyrus — died of lung cancer in 2006, and the daughter of his best friend was diagnosed with lymphoma at 9 years old.
—Rachel Desantis, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
What generally lands people with measles in the hospital is the disease’s effects on the lungs.
—Peter Kasson, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2025
Some research in mice and cultured cells hint that microplastics have the potential to cause damage, and epidemiological research suggests that microplastics are associated with respiratory, digestive, and reproductive issues, as well as colon and lung cancer.
—Hannah Seo, The Atlantic, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lung
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Daniel More, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025
His grandfather — dad to his dad Billy Ray Cyrus — died of lung cancer in 2006, and the daughter of his best friend was diagnosed with lymphoma at 9 years old.
—Rachel Desantis, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
What generally lands people with measles in the hospital is the disease’s effects on the lungs.
—Peter Kasson, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2025
Some research in mice and cultured cells hint that microplastics have the potential to cause damage, and epidemiological research suggests that microplastics are associated with respiratory, digestive, and reproductive issues, as well as colon and lung cancer.
—Hannah Seo, The Atlantic, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lung
Cite this Entry
“Lung.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lung. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lung
noun1
a
: one of the usually paired organs forming the special breathing structure of vertebrates that breathe air
b
: any of various respiratory organs of invertebrates
2
: a device (as an iron lung) to promote breathing and make it easier
Medical Definition
lung
noun1
a
: one of the usually two compound saccular organs that constitute the basic respiratory organ of air-breathing vertebrates, that normally occupy the entire lateral parts of the thorax and consist essentially of an inverted tree of intricately branched bronchioles communicating with thin-walled terminal alveoli swathed in a network of delicate capillaries where the actual gaseous exchange of respiration takes place, and that in humans are somewhat flattened with a broad base resting against the diaphragm and have the right lung divided into three lobes and the left into two lobes
b
: any of various respiratory organs of invertebrates
2
: a mechanical device for regularly introducing fresh air into and withdrawing stale air from the lungs : respirator see iron lung
lunged
adjective
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