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 of breather

• pause
• lull
• breath
• break

Examples of breather in a Sentence

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

Stephane Mahe | Afp | Getty Images France's student protests took a breather on Wednesday after weeks of unrest, but market pressure on the French government intensified ahead of crucial budget negotiations due to start next week. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026

After recovering from a health crisis and reaping millions from Rapportive’s sale to LinkedIn, Vohra had all the reason to take a breather from business. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026

Cantina del Diablo had the calmest vibe, allowing guests to take a breather while still enjoying the festival. — Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026

This is a welcome convenience on hot days or for people with back or leg issues that may need the occasional breather. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing breather

• mouth breather

Rhymes for breather

• either
• neither

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