borrowing

noun

bor·​row·​ing ˈbär-ə-wiŋ 

ˈbȯr-

: something borrowed

especially : a word or phrase adopted from one language into another

Examples of borrowing in a Sentence

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

That rate then influences a wide range of consumer borrowing and savings rates. — Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 27 July 2026

Companies with negative free cash flow are only able to cover the interest and principal on their debt by additional borrowing or by issuing new equity. — Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

The 10-year bond has a heavy hand in steering consumer borrowing rates. — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 23 July 2026

New York — Rising oil prices, persistent inflation fears and shifting expectations for rate hikes are rattling the world’s largest bond market, sending Treasury yields higher and pushing up borrowing costs for consumers. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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