breather

noun

breath·​er ˈbrē-t͟hər 

1

: one that breathes

2

: a break in activity for rest or relief

3

: a small vent in an otherwise airtight enclosure

Synonyms

• pause
• lull
• breath
• break

Examples of breather in a Sentence

He decided to give them a breather.

took a breather from the seemingly endless task of sorting through years of stuff stored in the attic

Recent Examples on the Web

The reality of the Warriors’ roster means that, on nights one or more of their veteran stars gets a breather, their ability to win at less than full strength will play an imperative role in determining their position when the postseason comes around. —Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2025

Usually the artist will feel obligated to give the audience a breather with at least a couple songs that deal with something other than the central rupture, or which flash forward to assure everyone that the singer is doing all right and healing up, thank you, post-split. —Chris Willman, Variety, 26 Oct. 2025

While the Friendship Missionary women serve shelter residents during lunch, Brenda Alexander — the kitchen manager — is able to take a breather and get ahead of grocery orders for the upcoming week. —Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2025

But at least the battered people of the Middle East have a breather. —Barry Strauss, Time, 21 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for breather

• either
• neither

Kids Definition

breather

noun

breath·​er ˈbrē-t͟hər 

1

: one that breathes

2

: a pause for rest : break

Medical Definition

breather

noun

breath·​er ˈbrē-t͟hər 

: one that breathes usually in a specified way see mouth breather