breather

noun

breath·​er ˈbrē-t͟hər 

1

: one that breathes

2

: a break in activity for rest or relief

3

: a small vent in an otherwise airtight enclosure

Synonyms

• break
• breath
• interruption
• lull
• pause
• recess

Example Sentences

He decided to give them a breather.

took a breather from the seemingly endless task of sorting through years of stuff stored in the attic

Recent Examples on the Web

And with that, the two-year breather granted Southeast Asian solar exporters will end if the Commerce investigation does not go their way. —Kenneth Rapoza, Forbes, 26 Jan. 2023

An opening for homebuyers After nearly a year of mortgage rates rising, the breather in rates during the past few weeks has been welcome news to homebuyers. —Anna Bahney, CNN, 1 Dec. 2022

On Monday, Reuters had reported that the company had failed to rally enough shareholder support to approve the one-year breather to merge with Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). —CBS News, 9 Sep. 2022

Of course, the breather could be temporary if geopolitical tensions cause a fresh surge in energy and commodity prices. —Carol Ryan, WSJ, 28 July 2022

Scott responded after the breather with a basket and Martinez stole the ball before racing down the floor for a layup, tying the game at 28 at halftime. —Ryan Mcfadden, baltimoresun.com, 21 Feb. 2022

The breather lays down and starts breathing rapidly, in a continuous way with no real break between inhales and exhales. —Tree Meinch, Discover Magazine, 16 Apr. 2021

But the 64-year-old pop star ~also~ took a breather to casually drop a photo in her Instagram Story of herself in a lacy black corset with black bloomer-style bottoms. —Korin Miller, Women's Health, 6 Feb. 2023

April 20-May 20 Taking a breather from your relentless pursuit of your ambitions may be necessary at the moment. —Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

breather

noun

breath·​er ˈbrē-t͟hər 

1

: one that breathes

2

: a pause for rest : break

Medical Definition

breather

noun

breath·​er ˈbrē-t͟hər 

: one that breathes usually in a specified way see mouth breather