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

Many investors expect the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) , which is up 70% this year, is due for a breather after its rally. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 15 May 2026

Their only non-primetime game in that stretch is far from a breather, as the Rams will travel to Philadelphia to play the Eagles in Week 4. —Nate Atkins, New York Times, 14 May 2026

Afterward, continue to the village of Crossmolina for lunch and a breather. —David Dickstein, Oc Register, 13 May 2026

Bochy, seeking a full mental breather, would tell the player to assume he wouldn’t be called upon in that game. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 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