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

If dealmaking takes a breather, the sector could instead set its sights on more partnerships and content agreements. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026

Rather, take a two-week breather and try again once the dust has settled. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026

The first-year Cowboy arrived at training camp expected to be a rotational body that gets snaps whenever the starting duo needs a breather, but Ogbonnia has proven a lot more value. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026

Edison Motors There are plenty more details to discover, including the classic large external Donaldson air breathers, room beneath the cab to work on it, dual 8-inch exhaust pipes, a 40-ton winch, and reliable AD 130 air ride suspension. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 16 Aug. 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