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

The latter has so far had little effect on borrowing costs, with yields climbing back up not long after last week’s announcement. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Undergraduate, graduate and trade school students may qualify for different federal aid programs and borrowing limits. — Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026

The fourth pays through a smaller retirement check, because the money to keep it whole would have to come from more of the same borrowing. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026

Unlike Lamont, Bessent is largely signalling that the Administration wants lower borrowing costs, rather than drawing a firm line in the sand. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 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