breathing

noun

breath·​ing ˈbrē-t͟hiŋ 

: either of the marks ʽ and ʼ used in writing Greek to indicate aspiration or its absence

Examples of breathing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the chill of the night, his breathing was punctuated by a deep, heavy cough, like a dog’s. —Literary Hub, 16 Jan. 2026

In some children, peanut allergy can trigger severe, life-threatening reactions, including difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat and a dangerous drop in blood pressure, according to Mayo Clinic. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 15 Jan. 2026

Record-low snowpack in the Colorado River headwaters in central and northern Colorado suggests nature is unlikely to give negotiators breathing room. —Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026

Once moderate hypothermia sets in, the opposite effect happens — heart rate, breathing and shivering will slow and eventually stop. —Karl Hille, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing breathing

• air-breathing
• breathing space
• breathing tube
• fire-breathing
• rough breathing
• smooth breathing

Rhymes for breathing

• sheathing
• teething
• bequeathing
• rebreathing