chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

noun

: pulmonary disease (such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis) that is characterized by chronic typically irreversible airway obstruction resulting in a slowed rate of exhalation
—abbreviation COPD

Examples of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 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.
Smoke from fireworks can worsen symptoms and cause flare-ups in those who have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026 Poor air quality contributes to respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. — Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026 Chronic exposure, such as through cigarette smoke, has been linked to the development of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory cancers. — Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 His manager, David Spero, confirmed at the time that Betts died due to cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). — Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was in 1967

Rhymes for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

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Browse Nearby Words

Chronicles
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
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Cite this Entry

“Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chronic%20obstructive%20pulmonary%20disease. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

noun
variants also chronic obstructive lung disease
: pulmonary disease (as emphysema or chronic bronchitis) that is characterized by chronic typically irreversible airway obstruction resulting in a slowed rate of exhalation

called also COPD

More from Merriam-Webster on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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