breather

[ bree-ther ]

noun

1. a pause, as for breath.

   Synonyms: intermission, recess, timeout, break, rest

2. vigorous exercise that causes heavy breathing. breathe.
3. a person who breathes.
4. a vent in a container or covering, as in a casing for machinery or in a storage tank, to equalize interior and exterior pressure, permit entry of air, escape of fumes, or the like.
5. a device for providing air from the atmosphere to submerged or otherwise sealed-off persons, internal-combustion engines, etc.:

   the snorkel breather of a submarine.

breather

/ ˈbriːðə /

noun

1. informal.
   a short pause for rest
2. a person who breathes in a specified way

   a deep breather

3. a vent in a container to equalize internal and external pressure, such as the pipe in the crankcase of an internal-combustion engine
4. a small opening in a room, container, cover, etc, supplying air for ventilation

Word History and Origins

Origin of breather¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, breather is from the Middle English word brethere. See breathe, -er ¹

Example Sentences

A safety who usually subbed for Foster to give him occasional breathers had gotten hurt the week before, forcing him to play the entire game.

From Los Angeles Times

“And that gap is paid for by the lungs of the breathers in California. That’s what’s subsidizing polluting industries — people’s health.”

From Los Angeles Times

Naturally, he will need a breather from time to time.

From BBC

Mr Entwistle said "you don't get a chance for a breather because the game is going on around you so you've got to put the effort in."

From BBC

People need time to rest and to take a breather.

From Salon

Related Words

• lull
• respite