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.
Persistent, unmanaged stress can have lasting effects on health and may contribute to or worsen depression, substance use disorders, heart disease, stroke, asthma and sleep and digestive problems. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Aug. 2026 Silverstein noted that unmanaged stress can contribute to conditions such as depression, heart disease, asthma and sleep problems, which is why teaching kids healthy coping tools early matters. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026 German scientists identified bacteria present in cow digestion and poop that seem to help children exposed to them avoid developing asthma. — Baltimore Sun, Boston Herald, 9 Aug. 2026 Potential causes include drowning, strangulation, asthma and foreign objects blocking an airway. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing asthma

Rhymes for asthma

See All Rhymes for asthma

Browse Nearby Words

asthenosphere
asthma
asthma herb
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Asthma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asthma. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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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
az-ˈmat-ik How to pronounce asthma (audio)
adjective or noun
asthmatically
-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce asthma (audio)
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

Nglish: Translation of asthma for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about asthma

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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