breather

American  

[bree-ther] / ˈbri ðər /

noun

1. a pause, as for breath.

   Synonyms:

   intermission, recess, timeout, break, rest

2. vigorous exercise that causes heavy breathing.

3. a person who breathes.

4. a vent in a container or covering, as in a casing for machinery or in a storage tank, to equalize interior and exterior pressure, permit entry of air, escape of fumes, or the like.

5. a device for providing air from the atmosphere to submerged or otherwise sealed-off persons, internal-combustion engines, etc..

   the snorkel breather of a submarine.

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breather British  

/ ˈbriːðə /

noun

1. informal a short pause for rest

2. a person who breathes in a specified way

   a deep breather

3. a vent in a container to equalize internal and external pressure, such as the pipe in the crankcase of an internal-combustion engine

4. a small opening in a room, container, cover, etc, supplying air for ventilation

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Etymology

Origin of breather

First recorded in 1350–1400, breather is from the Middle English word brethere. See breathe, -er ¹

Example Sentences

Remember how he panicked, refusing even to approach the bench to give his preferred five a breather for a full losing half in Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

This is a rare instance when U.S. stock exchanges take a breather on a day that is not a federal holiday.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Following back-to-back seasons of directing his own productions, Desai is taking a breather this go-around to focus on broader administrative duties.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

"But the government will have a breather for a couple of weeks, to save some energy."

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

As the runners entered the final lap, Lash gave himself a breather, dropping just behind his Indiana teammate, Tom Deckard.

From "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand

Related Words

• lull
• respite