black lung

noun

: pneumoconiosis caused by habitual inhalation of coal dust

Examples of black lung 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.
The black lung burden for miners like Tim Balthis makes life itself challenging. — Howard Berkes, NPR, 5 Aug. 2026 Despite the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, the central Appalachian region has experienced a massive resurgence of a form of black lung disease (coal-workers’ pneumoconiosis). — Elijah Tanall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026 My mother’s father died young of black lung. — Literary Hub, 18 June 2026 The hundreds of workers brought back this week join those previously reinstated in the coal workers' program focused on protecting miners from the black lung respiratory disease. — Dr. Mark Abdelmalek, ABC News, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for black lung

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of black lung was in 1837

Rhymes for black lung

See All Rhymes for black lung

Browse Nearby Words

black lotion
black lung
blackly
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Cite this Entry

“Black lung.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20lung. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

black lung

noun
: a disease of the lungs caused by the repeated breathing in of coal dust over a long time

called also black lung disease

Medical Definition

black lung

noun
: pneumoconiosis caused by habitual inhalation of coal dust

called also black lung disease

compare silicosis

More from Merriam-Webster on black lung

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about black lung

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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