breathing

1 of 2

noun

breath·​ing ˈbrē-t͟hiŋ 

: either of the marks ʽ and ʼ used in writing Greek to indicate aspiration or its absence

breathing

2 of 2

present participle of breathe

Examples of breathing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But this past month, even mild fall weather didn’t provide the breathing room our grid has long depended on. — H. Russell Frisby, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2026

Lead poisoning can cause brain swelling, trouble breathing, weak muscles, dehydration, starvation, kidney and liver problems, or seizures, Young explains. — Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 2 Nov. 2026

In August, Journey was taken to Blythedale Children's Hospital, where she was treated for a congenital heart condition known as PDA, as well as ongoing breathing challenges caused by underdeveloped lungs. — Nick Caloway, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

And for families already stretching their budgets, that breathing room matters. — Chuck Bonfiglio, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1696, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing breathing

• air-breathing
• breathing space
• breathing tube
• fire-breathing
• rough breathing
• smooth breathing

Rhymes for breathing

• sheathing
• teething
• rebreathing