breathing

American  

[bree-thing] / ˈbri ðɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or other animal that breathes; respiration.

2. a single breath.

3. the short time required for a single breath.

4. a pause, as for breath.

5. utterance or words.

6. a gentle moving or blowing, as of wind.

7. Classical Greek Grammar.

   1. the manner of articulating the beginning of a word written with an initial vowel sign, with or without aspiration before the vowel.

   2. one of the two symbols used to indicate this.

---

breathing British  

/ ˈbriːðɪŋ /

noun

1. the passage of air into and out of the lungs to supply the body with oxygen

2. a single breath

   a breathing between words

3. an utterance

   a breathing of hate

4. a soft movement, esp of air

5. a rest or pause

6. phonetics

   1. expulsion of breath ( rough breathing ) or absence of such expulsion ( smooth breathing ) preceding the pronunciation of an initial vowel or rho in ancient Greek

   2. either of two symbols indicating this

---

Other Word Forms

• breathingly adverb
• unbreathing adjective

Etymology

Origin of breathing

First recorded in 1350–1400, breathing is from the Middle English word brethynge. See breathe, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Once the sedation took effect the team had one minute to free him before there was serious risk of breathing difficulties.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Baschek said the whale's breathing and reaction to rescuers had deteriorated, and that the chances of coaxing him out of the bay were so slim it would be cruel to try.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

The acquisition aligns with Biogen’s focus on breathing life into its burgeoning growth portfolio, with a particular focus here on immunology and rare disease.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Symptoms can include muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, breathing problems, seizures, and delayed mental development.

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

I stopped breathing and my old heart went absolutely crazy.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls

Related Words

• respiratory