1
: transient cessation of respiration
especially
: sleep apnea
2
Examples of apnea in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Depression Sleep apnea can impact mood, often contributing to depression.
—
Brandon Peters, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2025
Šobat had topped nine minutes in regular apnea, and hoped to rank highly in other freediving disciplines.
—Sean Williams, Outside, 27 Oct. 2025
Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is characterized by open-mouth breathing.
—Lauren O'Connor, Health, 23 Oct. 2025
That drives insulin resistance, fatty liver and undesirable blood lipids, raises blood pressure and cardiovascular risk, and is linked to sleep apnea.
—New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2025
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Brandon Peters, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2025
Šobat had topped nine minutes in regular apnea, and hoped to rank highly in other freediving disciplines.
—Sean Williams, Outside, 27 Oct. 2025
Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is characterized by open-mouth breathing.
—Lauren O'Connor, Health, 23 Oct. 2025
That drives insulin resistance, fatty liver and undesirable blood lipids, raises blood pressure and cardiovascular risk, and is linked to sleep apnea.
—New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apnea
Cite this Entry
“Apnea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apnea. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
apnea
noun
ap·nea
1
: transient cessation of respiration whether normal (as in hibernating animals) or abnormal (as that caused by certain drugs) see sleep apnea
2
: asphyxia
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