What does intubated mean?
Intubated is the past tense and past participle of intubate, a medical term for placing a flexible tube through someone's mouth or nose and into the trachea. The procedure keeps the airway open when a patient cannot breathe safely on their own or needs a controlled supply of air during surgery, intensive care, or resuscitation. It is commonly associated with mechanical ventilation, although intubation itself specifically refers to inserting and securing the tube. The resulting state is often described in phrases such as “intubated patient” or “remains intubated.” In reports and medical records, the term may also identify the procedure that has already been performed, without implying the original reason for it. Intubation is distinct from extubation, which means removing the breathing tube after it is no longer needed.
To insert a tube through the mouth or nose into the trachea to keep the airway open, especially for mechanical ventilation or anaesthesia.
"The anaesthetist intubated the patient and inflated the cuff."
Used chiefly in medicine, emergency care, and anaesthesiology; the past tense and past participle are intubated.
Having a tube inserted into the trachea to maintain an open airway.
"The intubated patient was closely monitored in the intensive care unit."
A participial adjective used in medical records and clinical descriptions.
Being intubated keeps the airway open, allowing a breathing tube to deliver air safely when a patient cannot breathe unaided.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intubated come from?
The word derives from Latin intubare, formed from the prefix in- and tuba, meaning “trumpet” or “tube.” The related Latin noun intubatio referred to the insertion of a tube, and English borrowed the verb intubate and its noun intubation during the early 19th century as medical practice developed. English words such as tube, tuba, tubing, and tubular share the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How intubated is actually used
This is the past tense and past participle of the specialised medical verb intubate. It is used mainly in clinical, emergency, and anaesthetic contexts and is often modified by a reason, condition, or treatment.
Easily confused with intubated
Intubation involves placing a breathing tube in the airway, whereas extubation involves removing it.