What does wheezy mean?
Wheezy means characterized by noisy, difficult, or labored breathing, as can occur with asthma or other respiratory conditions. The word is also commonly used for a laugh or voice that sounds breathy, strained, or hard to hear clearly. In its medical sense, it describes a particular kind of breathing rather than naming a disease, so a person may be described as having wheezy breathing without that fact alone establishing a diagnosis. In everyday and figurative use, wheezy often carries a mildly humorous or affectionate tone, especially when describing someone’s laugh or speaking voice. The word is common in both British and American English and is generally understood from context. It is useful because it names not merely loud breathing, but breathing that sounds effortful or obstructed, while also extending naturally to sounds produced through such breathing.
adjectiveHaving or making a noisy, labored breath, especially as a result of a respiratory condition. It can also describe a laugh or voice that is breathy and difficult to hear clearly.
- Breathing in a noisy, labored, or difficult way, often because of asthma or another respiratory condition.
- Describing a laugh or voice that is breathy, strained, or unusually difficult to hear clearly.
"His wheezy laugh filled the room as he struggled to catch his breath."
"The child developed a wheezy cough after spending the afternoon outdoors."
"She gave a wheezy laugh and brushed the compliment aside."
"His wheezy breathing could be heard from the other side of the room."
Wheezy is what a laugh becomes when every breath has an encore.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
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How wheezy is actually used
In medical contexts, wheezy is a descriptive term for difficult or noisy breathing and does not by itself establish a diagnosis. In informal contexts, it often describes a breathy, strained, or creaky laugh or voice.