: 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)
Examples of asthma in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Her motivation to keep going is her adorable young daughter Aria, who, despite medical issues (seizures, asthma), maintains a sunny attitude.
—
Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 6 June 2025
Parents sue over son's asthma death days after inhaler price soared without warning
Cole Schmidtknecht, 22, had insurance but couldn’t afford to refill his asthma inhaler after the cost jumped from $70 to more than $500.
—Vicky Nguyen, NBC news, 5 June 2025
Thus, those that live in poorer neighborhoods and are constantly exposed to these environmental hazards are more likely to develop asthma, which can be life-threatening if not treated appropriately.
—Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Future research will investigate the impact of aldehyde metabolism in other respiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis, which have also been linked to PM2.5 exposure.
—Paul McClure 03, New Atlas, 3 June 2025
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Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 6 June 2025
Parents sue over son's asthma death days after inhaler price soared without warning
Cole Schmidtknecht, 22, had insurance but couldn’t afford to refill his asthma inhaler after the cost jumped from $70 to more than $500.
—Vicky Nguyen, NBC news, 5 June 2025
Thus, those that live in poorer neighborhoods and are constantly exposed to these environmental hazards are more likely to develop asthma, which can be life-threatening if not treated appropriately.
—Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Future research will investigate the impact of aldehyde metabolism in other respiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis, which have also been linked to PM2.5 exposure.
—Paul McClure 03, New Atlas, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for asthma
Cite this Entry
“Asthma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asthma. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
asthma
noun
asth·ma
ˈaz-mə 
: a condition that is marked by difficulty in breathing with wheezing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and coughing
Medical Definition
asthma
noun
asth·ma
ˈaz-mə
: 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)
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