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

But only days ago a global bond sell-off saw UK yields hit their highest level since the 2008 financial crash, further increasing the cost of borrowing for the UK government. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 7 Sep. 2026

That’s as governments since the COVID pandemic have continued spending as if borrowing costs were still at crisis-era lows and letting deficits worsen as if their economies were still in desperate need of emergency stimulus. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026

Solid hiring sends a signal that current borrowing costs aren’t necessarily high enough to restrain the economy and cool inflation. — Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

By removing settlement lag, companies can free up cash trapped in transit, effectively lowering the overall cost of capital and short-term borrowing needs. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 4 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