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baby's breath

noun

: any of a large genus (Gypsophila) of Old World herbs of the pink family having loosely branching clusters of numerous small, delicate, usually white or pink flowers
especially : a perennial herb (Gypsophila paniculata) or an annual herb (G. elegans) commonly used in floral arrangements

Examples of baby's breath in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The cozy picnic overlooking the ocean included soft blankets, velvety pillows, bundles of baby's breath, and an assortment of treats. Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025 Melody and Liz are overwhelmed at the site of jars filled with orchids, roses, hydrangeas, baby's breath, and wispy greens. Lisa Hughes, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025 The entire apartment was candlelit, with balloons hanging from the ceiling and baby's breath flowers running down the table as part of the centerpiece. Jordan Greene, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025 Add your pick of flowers and accent with filler plants like baby's breath, statice, and eucalyptus. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2025 Customers said the set is a joy to build and depicts a dozen red roses, including 4 in full bloom, four blooming, and 4 in bud, with long green stems for vase display, plus four sprigs of baby's breath with small white flowers. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 3 Feb. 2024 Carly wore a Galia Lahav gown for the ceremony and later changed into a Galvan dress (and braided baby's breath flowers into her hair) for the reception. Leena Kim, Town & Country, 21 Dec. 2022 These plants, also called snowflake, bloom profusely, lending a wispy, baby's breath-type effect to other nearby plantings. Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, 24 Aug. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of baby's breath was in 1866

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Cite this Entry

“Baby's breath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baby%27s%20breath. Accessed 27 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

baby's breath

noun
: a tall branching herb that is related to the carnation, has clusters of small fragrant white or pink flowers, and is often used in flower arrangements

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