: 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
Breathing cold air can also irritate the airways, worsening conditions such as asthma and COPD.
—
Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2026
Both Islam and Siegel said that beta blockers are generally low-risk medications for most people, but that certain people should not take them for anxiety like those who take other heart medicines and those with asthma.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 21 Jan. 2026
Mold, lack of heat, inadequate ventilation, infestations and lead are just some threats to tenants’ health in substandard housing, often exacerbating chronic illnesses such as asthma and lung disease.
—Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2026
Jackson went to the hospital with her baby and two of her children who have severe asthma.
—Taylor Galgano, CNN Money, 18 Jan. 2026
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Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2026
Both Islam and Siegel said that beta blockers are generally low-risk medications for most people, but that certain people should not take them for anxiety like those who take other heart medicines and those with asthma.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 21 Jan. 2026
Mold, lack of heat, inadequate ventilation, infestations and lead are just some threats to tenants’ health in substandard housing, often exacerbating chronic illnesses such as asthma and lung disease.
—Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2026
Jackson went to the hospital with her baby and two of her children who have severe asthma.
—Taylor Galgano, CNN Money, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for asthma
Cite this Entry
“Asthma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asthma. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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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