borrowing

American  

[bor-oh-ing, bawr-] / ˈbɒr oʊ ɪŋ, ˈbɔr- /

noun

1. the act of one who borrows.

2. the process by which something, as a word or custom, is adopted or absorbed.

3. the result of such a process; something borrowed, as a foreign word or phrase or a custom.

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Other Word Forms

• nonborrowing adjective
• preborrowing noun
• unborrowing adjective

Etymology

Origin of borrowing

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; borrow, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Leib, borrowing a term from the video game world, describes these as “side quests,” moments in which the audience can better get to know the performers, the club owner and the act’s manager.

From Los Angeles Times

But after interest rates began increasing four years ago, companies became reluctant to lock in those higher borrowing costs for longer periods.

From The Wall Street Journal

That appeared to offset the fact that the Fed would find it harder to justify cutting borrowing costs next month.

From Barron's

The U.K. economy recorded another year of modest economic growth in 2025 as consumers stayed cautious, unemployment rose and borrowing costs remained high.

From The Wall Street Journal

Low borrowing costs after the brief 2020 recession also helped boost demand for jobs in the information sector—which includes roles like software developer—and the finance sector.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• financing