borrowing

American  

[bor-oh-ing, bawr-] / ˈbɒr oʊ ɪŋ, ˈbɔr- /

noun

1. the act of one who borrows.

2. the process by which something, as a word or custom, is adopted or absorbed.

3. the result of such a process; something borrowed, as a foreign word or phrase or a custom.

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Other Word Forms

• nonborrowing adjective
• preborrowing noun
• unborrowing adjective

Etymology

Origin of borrowing

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; borrow, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Some investors expect the U.K.’s central bank to raise borrowing costs in response to the rise in energy prices that has accompanied the conflict in the Middle East.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

His company grew rapidly, lifted by an economic boom in China that was driven by heavy borrowing.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Another reason is a company called United Rentals, which has cashed in on a trend toward companies borrowing rather than buying construction equipment.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

But Georgieva said policymakers shouldn’t be in a rush to raise borrowing costs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Sorry to Mrs. Moore for borrowing her daisies more than once.

From "Habibi" by Naomi Shihab Nye

Related Words

• financing