breathing

[ bree-thing ]

noun

1. the act of a person or other animal that breathes; respiration.
2. a single breath.
3. the short time required for a single breath.
4. a pause, as for breath.
5. utterance or words.
6. a gentle moving or blowing, as of wind.
7. Classical Greek Grammar.
   1. the manner of articulating the beginning of a word written with an initial vowel sign, with or without aspiration before the vowel.
   2. one of the two symbols used to indicate this. Compare rough breathing, smooth breathing.

breathing

/ ˈbriːðɪŋ /

noun

1. the passage of air into and out of the lungs to supply the body with oxygen
2. a single breath

   a breathing between words

3. an utterance

   a breathing of hate

4. a soft movement, esp of air
5. a rest or pause
6. phonetics
   1. expulsion of breath ( rough breathing ) or absence of such expulsion ( smooth breathing ) preceding the pronunciation of an initial vowel or rho in ancient Greek
   2. either of two symbols indicating this

Other Words From

• breathing·ly adverb
• un·breathing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of breathing¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, breathing is from the Middle English word brethynge. See breathe, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Deep breath in, slow breath out… Isn't it odd that we can self-soothe by slowing down our breathing?

From Science Daily

“The smoke affected me so much that I had to be taken to the hospital because I was having trouble breathing. It felt like I couldn’t breathe,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The slight drop is partially accredited to the community distribution of naloxone, a medicine used to reverse the effects of opioids and stabilize breathing.

From Los Angeles Times

These strategies include cool-off activities like drawing, counting to ten or deep breathing, thinking about something happy to keep calm, meditation or mindfulness or moving away from other people.

From Science Daily

Policies increasing access to quality and affordable care "would give the women a little bit of breathing space," Scheyett said.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• respiratory