breathe
verb (used without object)
to take air, oxygen, etc., into the lungs and expel it; inhale and exhale; respire.
have been breathing
-
present perfect progressiveof breathe.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
"It would also mean that people across the UK have been breathing in far more harmful emissions from these vehicles than they were told about, potentially putting the health of millions at risk."
From BBC ● Oct. 12, 2025
For years, Danish authorities have been breathing down the necks of the downtown community.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 6, 2024
But doubts remain among many residents about exactly what is in the smoke they have been breathing.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 19, 2023
"The nurses said she really should not have been breathing on her own. They were about to take her to the NICU," said Robertson.
From Fox News ● Jul. 7, 2021
As we passed, there came a sudden breeze from land, hot and heavy scented; and now as I write its warm rich flavour contrasts strongly with the salt air we have been breathing.
From Memoir of Fleeming Jenkin by Robert Louis Stevenson
