borrowing

[ bor-oh-ing, bawr- ]

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.

Other Words From

• non·borrow·ing adjective
• pre·borrow·ing noun
• un·borrow·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of borrowing¹

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

Example Sentences

Because of skyrocketing liability payouts, which also stem from cases involving employment matters and police use of force and negligence, the city is considering borrowing $80 million to pay off some judgments and settlements.

From Los Angeles Times

Presidents do not set borrowing costs, though policies their administrations enact can influence the price of a loan.

From Los Angeles Times

In many ways, entering a thrift store, shopping secondhand online or even borrowing clothing from a friend is like engaging with one massive lost-and-found bin.

From Los Angeles Times

But most voters apparently understood that Proposition 5 would lead to passage of more local bonds — and that would bump up their property taxes to pay off the borrowing.

From Los Angeles Times

In the last three years she made the decision to spend £25,000 on private operations, borrowing money to help.

From BBC

Related Words

• financing