breathing

American  

[bree-thing] / ˈbri ðɪŋ /

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.

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breathing British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• breathingly adverb
• unbreathing adjective

Etymology

Origin of breathing

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

Example Sentences

Many in the business community are breathing a sigh of relief that the conversation has shifted away from tax increases that would directly affect them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

And it’s a living, breathing reminder of a tenant that’s been a part of Halsey’s work from the jump: An architectural monument only becomes truly meaningful when people can see a space for themselves there.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Soon enough, it shoves out the old way of doing things entirely, leaving us with no living, breathing person left to hear our frustrations.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

EY-Parthenon's Boussour said Friday's report will provide "a little bit of reassurance and a little bit of breathing room for the Fed to focus on the inflation side of their mandate in the coming months."

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

I found his body, but it was a living, breathing body.

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney

Related Words

• respiratory