upper respiratory

adjective

: of, relating to, or affecting the upper respiratory tract
upper respiratory infections

Examples of upper respiratory 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.
Stewart, who has a history of thyroid cancer surgery, canceled and postponed concert stops last month following a diagnosis of acute upper respiratory infection, laryngitis and vocal fold strain. — Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026 For some its allergies or other upper respiratory issues; for others too much of an aroma causes a headache or worse. — R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 24 July 2026 His declining health came to a head in the fall of 2024 when Smith became ill with a severe upper respiratory infection. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 6 July 2026 Davis died June 22 in his Manhattan apartment at the age of 94, a few weeks after he was hospitalized for an upper respiratory issue. — ABC News, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for upper respiratory

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upper respiratory was in 1841

Rhymes for upper respiratory

See All Rhymes for upper respiratory

Browse Nearby Words

Upper Republican
upper respiratory
upper respiratory tract
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Upper respiratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upper%20respiratory. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

upper respiratory

adjective
: of, relating to, or affecting the upper respiratory tract
upper respiratory infection
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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