breath

American  

[breth] / brɛθ /

noun

1. the air inhaled and exhaled in respiration.

2. respiration, especially as necessary to life.

3. life; vitality.

   Synonyms:

   force, vigor, animation, spirit

4. the ability to breathe easily and normally.

   She stopped to regain her breath.

5. time to breathe; pause or respite.

   Give him a little breath.

6. a single inhalation or respiration.

   He took a deep breath.

7. the brief time required for a single respiration; a moment or instant.

   They gave it to her and took it away all in a breath.

8. a slight suggestion, hint, or whisper.

   The breath of slander never touched her.

9. a light current of air.

10. Phonetics.

    1. the air drawn into or expelled from the lungs to provide the generative source for most speech sounds.

    2. the audible expiration generating voiceless speech sounds, as (p ), (k ), (sh ), etc.

11. moisture emitted in respiration, especially when condensed and visible.

12. a trivial circumstance; trifle.

13. an odorous exhalation, or the air impregnated by it.

14. Obsolete. exhalation or vapor.

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idioms

1. save one's breath, to avoid futile talk or discussion.

   We were told to save our breath because the matter had already been decided.

2. take away one's breath, to make one as if breathless with astonishment; surprise; stun: Also take one's breath away.

   The sheer beauty of the sea took away my breath.

3. catch one's breath, to pause or rest before continuing an activity or beginning a new one; resume regular breathing.

   Let me catch my breath before I begin anything new.

4. in the same breath, at virtually the same time; almost simultaneously.

   She lost her temper and apologized in the same breath.

5. below / under one's breath, in a low voice or whisper; sotto voce.

   He protested under his breath because he was afraid to speak up.

6. out of breath, exhausted or gasping for breath, in consequence of an effort; breathless.

   After climbing to the top of the tower, we were so out of breath that we had to sit down.

breath British  

/ brɛθ /

noun

1. the intake and expulsion of air during respiration

2. the air inhaled or exhaled during respiration

3. a single respiration or inhalation of air, etc

4. the vapour, heat, or odour of exhaled air

   his breath on the window melted the frost

5. a slight gust of air

6. a short pause or rest

   take a breath for five minutes

7. a brief time

   it was done in a breath

8. a suggestion or slight evidence; suspicion

   a breath of scandal

9. a whisper or soft sound

10. life, energy, or vitality

    the breath of new industry

11. phonetics the passage of air through the completely open glottis without vibration of the vocal cords, as in exhaling or pronouncing fricatives such as (f) or (h) or stops such as (p) or (k) Compare voice

12. a refreshing change from what one is used to

13. to rest until breathing is normal, esp after exertion

14. to wait expectantly or anxiously

15. done or said at the same time

16. gasping for air after exertion

17. to refrain from useless talk

18. to overwhelm with surprise, etc

19. in a quiet voice or whisper

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breath More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing breath

• catch one's breath
• hold one's breath
• in the same breath
• out of breath
• save one's breath
• take one's breath away
• under one's breath
• waste one's breath
• with bated breath

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Other Word Forms

• interbreath
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of breath

First recorded before 900; Middle English breeth, breth, Old English brǣth “smell, exhalation”; akin to German Brodem “vapor, steam”

Explanation

Breath is the process of taking air in and out of your lungs. It’s also the air you inhale and exhale, or a slight movement of air, like a breeze. Breath comes from the Old English braeth (“scent" or "smell”). Many figures of speech originate with the idea that breathing deeply energizes or calms us. You can "catch your breath" by slowing down, and you might "take a breath" by taking a break or walking away from a stressful situation. A "breath of fresh air" might be just that, or, metaphorically, it might signal the arrival of something new and different that invigorates us or refocuses our attention.

Example Sentences

Those not already in thrall to Mr. Winchester may find that however much they want to be pleased with his style in “The Breath of the Gods,” they can’t quite get there.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

Breath was drawn, Vic stepped on the gas pedal, and the car rolled in.

From Slate • Oct. 27, 2025

Breath alcohol was measured every 30 minutes, blood glucose twice, and after three hours participants again answered follow-up questions.

From Science Daily • Oct. 18, 2025

No. 1 single with “Every Breath You Take” before splitting in 1984.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 27, 2025

“Legend has it that the pirate Dog Breath stole it all from our noble ancestor Angel Vengador Leones, who was a brave buccaneer.”

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

• sigh
• smell
• whiff