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

About seven months ago, the average 30-year mortgage rate briefly dipped below 6% for the first time in years, prompting hopes that cheaper borrowing would finally unfreeze the housing market. — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026

In response to rising prices, a key long-term Treasury rate hit its highest level in nearly two decades earlier this month, even before the Federal Reserve raised benchmark borrowing costs. — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

The housing market has been stuck in a rut this year in large part because of rising borrowing costs. — Alex Veiga, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

Simpleimages | Moment | Getty Images With yields on Treasurys continuing to push higher, consumers are likely to see interest rates on their borrowing rise — including for car loans, experts say. — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 24 Sep. 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