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

Grossomanides, who paid the tariff via shipping firm DHL, says he would like to believe he will get his money back, but has not heard from the company and is not holding his breath.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

They measured how much air the children can push out after a deep breath.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

"People across Lebanon were holding their breath for a ceasefire agreement, but a wave of deadly strikes plunged the country into panic and chaos," said Agnes Dhur, the ICRC's head of delegation in Lebanon.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Black wants those people who are now feeling the “fire in their bones” at the perceived widespread injustice being inflicted on the most vulnerable Americans to take a deep breath.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

I drew in a deep breath of the sweet-scented air and let it out, letting go of all the frustration and the dark mood that had been hanging over me.

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

Related Words

• sigh
• smell
• whiff