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

The impact of higher energy and borrowing costs would be to make it harder to afford to buy a house, Nationwide said, reducing activity in the housing market.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

If central bankers think that the rise in energy prices is unlikely to result in what are known as “second round effects,” they can leave borrowing costs unchanged.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The Bank's latest report into the risks facing the economy found borrowing costs were likely to rise as the result of the "shock" to the global economy.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Instead, households are saving less and borrowing more just to keep up their usual spending.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Her best friend found it while borrowing some markers.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• financing