What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sibilus
Example
The doctor listened to the patient's chest and heard a sibilus. [sibilus: noun]
Example
She was having trouble breathing and could hear a sibilus when she inhaled. [sibilus: verb]
wheeze
Example
He had a wheeze in his chest that was making it difficult to breathe. [wheeze: noun]
Example
She was wheezing heavily after running up the stairs. [wheezing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wheeze is more commonly used than sibilus in everyday language, as it is a more recognizable term for many people. However, both terms are used in medical contexts to describe specific sounds heard during breathing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sibilus and wheeze?
Both sibilus and wheeze are formal terms used in medical contexts to describe specific sounds heard during breathing. They are less commonly used in informal or everyday language.