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breathable

American  
[bree-thuh-buhl] / ˈbri ðə bəl /

adjective

  1. able or fit to be breathed.

    filters to make the air more breathable.

  2. allowing the passage of air and moisture.

    a breathable fabric.


breathable British  
/ ˈbriːðəbəl /

adjective

  1. (of air) fit to be breathed

  2. (of a material) allowing air to pass through so that perspiration can evaporate

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of breathable

First recorded in 1725–35; breathe + -able

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Of course it’s absurd to imagine breathable air as something you can put a price tag on.

From Salon Jul. 19, 2026

Within these enclosed environments, breathable oxygen could be produced through photosynthesis or water electrolysis.

From Science Daily Jul. 17, 2026

Ah, New York—where it’s hot, loud, and the air is barely breathable.

From Slate Jul. 17, 2026

Called Fort, it is a shed-like bunker with fire-proof doors and materials built to hold up to eight people and valuables with breathable air for four hours.

From BBC Jun. 3, 2026

My legs collapsed beneath me after several steps, and I sucked in the breathable air near the floorboards.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

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