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

From a corner of the room, or even the other side of a wall, Emerald can track a patient’s breathing, heartbeat, mobility, and other health markers.

From MIT Technology Review

When it came to a tougher task — inserting a breathing tube — just about half pulled it off, Ebert and colleagues reported in January in Galveston, Texas, at the NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop.

From Science News

Consider the safety of breathing in any particles from those filters, Fernandez advises.

From Science News For Students

Just breathing can send some viruses into the air, data show.

From Science News For Students

Babies born too small can develop breathing problems and other health issues.

From Science News For Students

He said, ‘They’re both shot in the head and neither of them are breathing.

From The Daily Beast

Both Rohan and Kalayjian recommend breathing in some fresh air each day.

From The Daily Beast

According to the report, the evidence suggested that Mr. Stewart had stopped breathing before his arrival at Bellevue.

From The Daily Beast

Police were giving them “a little breathing room,” according to Bratton.

From The Daily Beast

So many eighteen-year-old girls,” says Oliona, “breathing down my neck.

From The Daily Beast

Not a zephyr ruffled the leaf of a rose, and a soft breathing fragrance bathed his reposing senses.

From Project Gutenberg

“Never mind that,” Jessie flung back over her shoulder, and still breathing easily as she set a slower stroke.

From Project Gutenberg

Even the short stop had allowed their horses a breathing spell and they could now ride more leisurely.

From Project Gutenberg

She sat still as a statue, scarce breathing, her eyes fixed upon the violet sky.

From Project Gutenberg

The drops fell on the lips of the sleeping man, who was now breathing regularly.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• respiratory