borrowing

1 of 2

noun

bor·​row·​ing ˈbär-ə-wiŋ 

ˈbȯr-

: something borrowed

especially : a word or phrase adopted from one language into another

borrowing

2 of 2

present participle of borrow

Examples of borrowing in a Sentence

Noun

He's compiling a list of Japanese borrowings in English.

Students must have their own pencils. Borrowing is not allowed.

Economists predict that there will be increases in government borrowing.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

That, in turn, can potentially reduce or eliminate their monthly card payments and lower their overall borrowing costs. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

The yield that directly impacts the equity market, and the yield that directly impacts borrowing rates for most consumers and even small businesses. — CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026

Mortgage rates fell this week for the first time since late August, easing some of the pressure on prospective homebuyers facing higher borrowing costs on home loans. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Some call for policies supporting economic growth to better balance government borrowing versus income. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1598, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for borrowing

• sorrowing

Kids Definition

borrowing

noun

bor·​row·​ing ˈbär-ə-wiŋ 

ˈbȯr-

: something borrowed

especially : a word or phrase adopted from one language into another