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. breathe.

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

Are the Lomans meant to be Irish immigrants or is that a Boston dialect that is being affected when the cartoonish New Yorkese takes a breather?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Markets remained volatile, but Treasury traders took a breather with yields little changed across the curve.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

"There's always a time and place for stern words and now we take a breather," Murphy said.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

On the whole, however, investors seemed to be taking a breather today ahead of the January jobs report, due Wednesday morning.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

When I got the rope hitched I take a breather and decide what to do next.

From "The Young Man and the Sea" by Rodman Philbrick

Related Words

• lull
• respite