What does wheeze mean?
“Wheeze” describes breathing that is difficult, strained, and noisy, producing a characteristic rasp. As a verb, it can mean to breathe in this way, as when someone wheezes during exertion or while experiencing respiratory difficulty. As a noun, a wheeze is the sound itself, and the phrase “a wheeze of laughter” uses the word figuratively for a burst of laughter that involves noisy, laboured breathing. The word also has an informal British sense meaning a joke or humorous remark, although this use is less common today. Because “wheeze” vividly combines an audible rasp with the physical effort of breathing, it is especially useful in literary and descriptive writing, where it can convey both discomfort and comedy.
To breathe with a strained, noisy rasp, especially with difficulty or effort.
"The dog began to wheeze after running in the heat."
In medical contexts, the word is descriptive rather than diagnostic; it can refer to noisy or difficult breathing associated with various conditions.
A strained, rasping sound made while breathing; also, informally, a joke or humorous remark.
"His final wheeze of laughter brought the audience to its feet."
The sense meaning “a joke” is informal and chiefly British.
The usual plural form for the noun meaning a rasping sound or, informally, a joke.
"The performers exchanged a series of political wheezes before the audience."
A wheeze can be a strained breath, a rasping sound, or—in an informal, distinctly British sense—a joke.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does wheeze come from?
Wheeze is a Germanic English word that developed through Middle English from Old English hwǣsan, associated with breathing or making a strained, noisy sound. Its modern literal meaning continues this long-established sense, while the noun meaning “a joke” is a figurative development. The word does not have a widely used modern English cognate that can be listed confidently here.
Related word forms
How wheeze is actually used
The verb is common in literal breathing contexts and can describe a strained, noisy breath. The noun meaning “a joke” is informal and especially associated with British English; it is now less common than the medical or literal senses.