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

Concerns have mounted over the AI trade, notably over growing tech-sector borrowing, circular financing in the industry, and questions over whether revenues will keep pace with historic capex plans. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 12 Nov. 2026

Today, persistent inflation and large federal borrowing needs are helping keep long-term interest rates elevated. — Mike Winters, CNBC, 12 Nov. 2026

Emerging-market and developing economies, which have shallow financial markets and rely heavily on foreign borrowing, often in dollars, are especially vulnerable to volatile capital flows and exchange rates. — Gordon Liao, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2026

The report notes that the risk of severe wildfires in the future is dragging down the credit ratings of the state’s largest utilities, which increases those borrowing costs. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 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