tracheostomy

noun

tra·​che·​os·​to·​my ˌtrā-kē-ˈä-stə-mē How to pronounce tracheostomy (audio)
plural tracheostomies
: the surgical formation of an opening into the trachea through the neck especially to allow the passage of air

Examples of tracheostomy 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 process left him with a tracheostomy tube that made speaking difficult. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025 The actor, 61, had to undergo chemotherapy, radiation and a tracheostomy that took away much of his ability to speak. Kara Warner, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025 Travis was placed on life support and given a one percent chance of survival after his lungs subsequently collapsed, followed by three bouts of pneumonia, three tracheostomies and two brain surgeries. Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 27 Feb. 2024 Other videos show Brian’s day-to-day life, how the family renovated their house and his decision-making process around his tracheostomy. Victoria Edel, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tracheostomy

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tracheostomy was circa 1923

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Cite this Entry

“Tracheostomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tracheostomy. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

tracheostomy

noun
tra·​che·​os·​to·​my ˌtrā-kē-ˈäst-ə-mē How to pronounce tracheostomy (audio)
plural tracheostomies
: the surgical formation of an opening into the trachea through the neck especially to allow the passage of air
also : the opening itself

More from Merriam-Webster on tracheostomy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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