🇬🇧🇨🇳 diaphragm - 横隔膜 : English Lesson

Meaning of "diaphragm" ("横隔膜"), detailed definition, and a short video lesson below.

Your diaphragm is a big, flat muscle shaped like a dome that sits under your lungs. When it tightens and moves down, your lungs fill up with air so you can breathe in. When it relaxes and moves up, the air is pushed out so you can breathe out. It works all day and night without you even thinking about it.

Watch and listen to this English flashcard to understand the word in more detail, with an easy example sentence.

I tried to give a dramatic speech, but my diaphragm made a weird squeak and everyone laughed instead.

My diaphragm is like a secret elevator for my lungs—going down to breathe in and going up to breathe out.

My diaphragm is the boss of my breathing, and my lungs are its very busy employees.

When the doctor said, “Take a deep breath,” my diaphragm went, “On it!” like a tiny breathing robot.

Your diaphragm moves up and down about 20,000 times a day, so it’s probably the hardest working muscle you didn’t even know you had!

On the small stage a woman felt her diaphragm lift as she drew breath. The diaphragm pushed down, steadying the note; the diaphragm tightened, holding sound like a string. When the diaphragm relaxed, the audience exhaled with her. The song ended; she laughed with relief, her diaphragm humming as she bowed and stepped off happy.

Learn the meaning of diaphragm with our educational learning resources. Download a colorful poster, print engaging games, and enjoy an easy story where the word diaphragm appears in context. 👍

This word is at the C2 level, which means it represents the highest mastery of English. It’s often used in specialized or highly formal contexts and helps you communicate with precision and subtlety, much like a native speaker.

Expanding your English vocabulary is one of the best ways to improve your pronunciation, spelling, and confidence in English. Watch the video above to memorize the word, understand its meaning, and see example sentences in action. Discover related words to grow your vocabulary naturally. Add words to your playlist for stress-free, effective learning—anytime, anywhere! Watch, learn, repeat.