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

One bone of contention is its borrowing cap, which will sit at £750 million ($1 billion) in 2027. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026

Alternatively, funding is raised by high-yield corporate bond issuance or private credit borrowing. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

The Fed raises borrowing costs in an attempt to slow borrowing and spending and bring down inflation. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Despite a broadly healthy labor market, there are concerns that higher borrowing costs and persistent inflation caused by rising energy prices could cause businesses to slash jobs to reduce costs. — Matt Ott, Los Angeles Times, 15 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