breathing space

noun

: some time in which to recover, get organized, or get going

called also breathing room, breathing spell

Examples of breathing space in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The ceasefire represents breathing space measured in trading sessions, not seasons. Guney Yildiz, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 Better policy-making that gives these declining species a bit of breathing space to recover – such as habitat and poaching protection – would go a long way to rebuilding populations. New Atlas, 22 June 2025 The trade truce has allowed some breathing space for Beijing to step in to support its currency, while raising hopes that any hit to the economy will be smaller than previously expected, according to Barclays. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 20 June 2025 Michael was initially planned as a single movie spanning the pop stars’ career and life, but, as previously reported by THR, producer King and the estate are working to split the movie into two films, allowing the filmmakers some breathing space to fix this issue. Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for breathing space

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breathing space was in 1545

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Cite this Entry

“Breathing space.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breathing%20space. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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