respire

verb

re·​spire ri-ˈspī(-ə)r How to pronounce respire (audio)
respired; respiring
Synonyms of respirenext

intransitive verb

1
: breathe
specifically : to inhale and exhale air successively
2
of a cell or tissue : to take up oxygen and produce carbon dioxide through oxidation

transitive verb

: breathe

Synonyms

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Examples of respire in a Sentence

Fish use their gills to respire. though unconscious, the patient is still respiring
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.
In the soil around their roots, billions of fungi and soil bacteria respire as well. — Jordan Fisher Smith, Discover Magazine, 20 Dec. 2010 Vegetables that respire at a higher rate keep better in the refrigerator crisper, where food retains more moisture than in the open space of the main refrigerator compartment, which can draw moisture out of produce. — Anne-Marie Bonneau, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin respirare, from re- + spirare to blow, breathe

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of respire was in the 15th century

Rhymes for respire

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Browse Nearby Words

respiratory trumpet
respire
respirit
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Cite this Entry

“Respire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respire. Accessed 13 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

respire

verb
re·​spire ri-ˈspī(ə)r How to pronounce respire (audio)
respired; respiring
: to engage in respiration
especially : breathe sense 1

Medical Definition

respire

verb
re·​spire ri-ˈspī(ə)r How to pronounce respire (audio)
respired; respiring

intransitive verb

1
: breathe
specifically : to inhale and exhale air successively
2
of a cell or tissue : to take up oxygen and produce carbon dioxide through oxidation

transitive verb

: breathe
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