1
a
: one of the usually paired compound saccular thoracic organs that constitute the basic respiratory organs of an air-breathing vertebrate
b
: any of various respiratory organs of invertebrates
2
a
: a device enabling individuals abandoning a submarine to rise to the surface
b
: a mechanical device for regularly introducing fresh air into and withdrawing stale air from the lung : respirator compare iron lung
Examples of lung in a Sentence
He filled his lungs with the clean. fresh air.
Recent Examples on the Web
Poor air quality, coupled with many smokers in the region, has led to a rise in lung diseases, removing productive workers from the economy.
—
Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 29 Dec. 2025
While more studies are needed to prove that marijuana smoke can cause mouth cancers, the reality is that breathing in a burning material of any kind is not good for the lungs and mouth, said Clonan, who led a January study that found a high risk for cavities and tooth loss among marijuana users.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 29 Dec. 2025
Barry Manilow Announced a Lung Cancer Diagnosis The singer-songwriter Barry Manilow revealed in December that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer after doctors discovered a cancerous spot on his left lung.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Dec. 2025
In September 2025, Arenas was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, which spread to his liver, lungs and abdomen.
—Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 26 Dec. 2025
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Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 29 Dec. 2025
While more studies are needed to prove that marijuana smoke can cause mouth cancers, the reality is that breathing in a burning material of any kind is not good for the lungs and mouth, said Clonan, who led a January study that found a high risk for cavities and tooth loss among marijuana users.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 29 Dec. 2025
Barry Manilow Announced a Lung Cancer Diagnosis The singer-songwriter Barry Manilow revealed in December that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer after doctors discovered a cancerous spot on his left lung.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Dec. 2025
In September 2025, Arenas was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, which spread to his liver, lungs and abdomen.
—Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lung
Cite this Entry
“Lung.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lung. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lung
noun1
a
: one of the usually paired organs forming the special breathing structure of vertebrates that breathe air
b
: any of various respiratory organs of invertebrates
2
: a device (as an iron lung) to promote breathing and make it easier
Medical Definition
lung
noun1
a
: one of the usually two compound saccular organs that constitute the basic respiratory organ of air-breathing vertebrates, that normally occupy the entire lateral parts of the thorax and consist essentially of an inverted tree of intricately branched bronchioles communicating with thin-walled terminal alveoli swathed in a network of delicate capillaries where the actual gaseous exchange of respiration takes place, and that in humans are somewhat flattened with a broad base resting against the diaphragm and have the right lung divided into three lobes and the left into two lobes
b
: any of various respiratory organs of invertebrates
2
: a mechanical device for regularly introducing fresh air into and withdrawing stale air from the lungs : respirator see iron lung
lunged
adjective
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