short-winded

[ shawrt-win-did ]

adjective

1. short of breath; liable to difficulty in breathing.
2. brief or concise; to the point, as in speech or writing.

short-winded

adjective

1. tending to run out of breath, esp after exertion
2. (of speech or writing) terse or abrupt

Word History and Origins

Origin of short-winded¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

Treating her EPs and albums with the same attention to detail, “Blush” stands as a short-winded seven-track exploration of sorrow, femininity and fleeting love.

From Los Angeles Times

Short-handed and short-winded, the Lakers again got beaten on the glass and again got beaten in transition, multiple possessions ending with James failing to cross midcourt as he grabbed at oxygen.

From Los Angeles Times

While prairie jackrabbits are capable of amazing bursts of speed—up to and over fifty miles an hour—they are relatively short-winded.

From Literature

“I never had any trouble with my heart. Just a little short-winded when I climb the stairs.”

From Literature

“I forgot my keys at home,” she pants, irritable and short-winded.

From Salon