What does aqualung mean?
An aqualung is a self-contained apparatus that allows a diver to breathe underwater. It delivers compressed air through a mouthpiece and is associated historically with the pioneering underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau. The word also functions as a verb: to “aqualung” is to swim or dive using such equipment. In modern English, scuba is the more common term for this kind of self-contained underwater breathing system, but aqualung remains readily understood and retains a historical connection with Cousteau's influential design. The name is a transparent blend of the Latin aqua, meaning “water,” and lung, describing the device's intended use. Although aqualung is a trademarked name in its history, it has become widely used as a generic term for underwater breathing apparatus. The word consequently carries both practical and nostalgic associations, evoking early underwater exploration, technical innovation, and the romantic image of divers entering otherwise inaccessible depths.
A self-contained underwater breathing apparatus that supplies compressed air to a diver through a mouthpiece.
"He checked the valve on his aqualung before entering the water."
Also used generically for an underwater breathing apparatus; scuba is more common in current technical usage.
To dive or swim underwater using an aqualung or similar self-contained breathing apparatus.
"They aqualunged along the edge of the reef."
Informal and less common than the corresponding phrase “dive using scuba” in contemporary English.
The regular plural is used when referring to multiple devices.
"The divers carried their aqualungs down to the waiting boat."
The word that made Jacques Cousteau a household name was a clever Latin blend: aqua, meaning “water,” plus lung.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does aqualung come from?
Aqualung is a mid-20th-century English blend of the Latin aqua, meaning “water,” and lung. The name was applied to the underwater breathing apparatus developed by Jacques Cousteau and Émile Gagnan in the early 1940s and subsequently became widely used as a generic term. Its vocabulary relatives include aquatic, aqueous, aquarium, and aqueduct, all of which ultimately derive from Latin aqua.
How aqualung is actually used
The term is now largely informal or historical; scuba is more common in contemporary diving usage. The capitalized form Aqua-Lung is associated with Cousteau's original apparatus, while lowercase aqualung is commonly used generically.
Easily confused with aqualung
Scuba is the usual modern term for self-contained underwater breathing equipment, while aqualung is an older generic term and is also associated with Jacques Cousteau's original apparatus.