breathable

adjective breath·able \ ˈbrē-t͟hə-bəl \

Updated on: 15 Apr 2018

Definition of breathable

1 : suitable for breathing

breathable air

2 : allowing air to pass through : porous

a breathable synthetic fabric

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breathability

play \ˌbrē-t͟hə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

Recent Examples of breathable from the Web

Rendered in breathable cotton, lightweight silk, or breezy linen and often woven in an open pattern to promote air circulation, these sweaters give you just enough coverage without turning your body into a furnace with their coziness.

— megan gustashaw, GQ, "Set Your Pits Free with Spring’s Best Lightweight Sweaters," 10 Apr. 2018
Why does our earth have breathable air, blue oceans, and drinkable water?

— Indianapolis Star, "Special Edition: Our Earth, Unique View From Space," 9 Apr. 2018
Easter Sunday Attire for Boys Swap your son's jeans for dress pants—perhaps paired with a breathable button-down in a springy gingham print.

— taysha murtaugh, Woman's Day, "What to Wear to Church on Easter Sunday—and What Not to Wear," 20 Mar. 2018
Asolo Falcon GV Take advantage of long summer days with the breathable Falcon.

— mandy ferreira, Sunset, "10 Best Hiking Boots for Men," 22 Jan. 2018
When temperatures soar above 80 degrees, go with a lightweight, breathable tank top and shorts made from synthetic fabrics like polyester that help moisture evaporate.

— elizabeth narins, Cosmopolitan, "Exactly What to Wear to Run Comfortably in Any Weather," 7 Nov. 2014
Soft, comfortable and affordable the collection includes four styles of underwear (The Thong, The Bikini, The Hipster, and The High-Rise Hipster), a wireless tank bra, and a bodysuit – all made of super soft and breathable Supima cotton.

— kami phillips, PEOPLE.com, "This Underwear Collection Already Has a 30,000 Person Waitlist," 27 Mar. 2018
Buyers will be able to choose from breathable rubbery sports bands for working out as well as options made from Horween leather, stainless steel, and metal mesh.

— lisa eadicicco, Time, "Fitbit Finally Made a Smartwatch I Can't Wait to Wear," 13 Mar. 2018
The lack of breathable oxygen severely curtails human visits.

— The Economist, "Sing a song of sonar," 10 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'breathable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.