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

Set the scene Much of the hotel's design pays homage to its nearly 100-year history; architect and designer Nick Dryden cleared plenty of breathing room for the past. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026

The reduction could offer home hunters some financial breathing room as the spring home-buying season gets started. —CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026

Phillips struggled to run long distances while controlling her breathing. —Samuel O’Neal 26, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Feb. 2026

Practicing breathwork or conscious breathing can help regulate cortisol and support the lungs’ role in CO₂ elimination, one of the body’s primary acid-buffering mechanisms. —Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 24 Feb. 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