breather

noun

breath·​er ˈbrē-t͟hər How to pronounce breather (audio)
Synonyms of breathernext
1
: one that breathes
2
: a break in activity for rest or relief
3
: a small vent in an otherwise airtight enclosure

Synonyms of breather

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Examples of breather in a Sentence

He decided to give them a breather. took a breather from the seemingly endless task of sorting through years of stuff stored in the attic
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Still, Zelensky has floated the idea that such an election could take place only if Ukraine could be given a breather to safely send voters to the ballot box. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026 Stephane Mahe | Afp | Getty Images France's student protests took a breather on Wednesday after weeks of unrest, but market pressure on the French government intensified ahead of crucial budget negotiations due to start next week. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026 After recovering from a health crisis and reaping millions from Rapportive’s sale to LinkedIn, Vohra had all the reason to take a breather from business. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026 Cantina del Diablo had the calmest vibe, allowing guests to take a breather while still enjoying the festival. — Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for breather

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of breather was in 1609

Phrases Containing breather

Rhymes for breather

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Browse Nearby Words

breathe one's last
breather
breathe to
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Cite this Entry

“Breather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breather. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

breather

noun
breath·​er ˈbrē-t͟hər How to pronounce breather (audio)
1
: one that breathes
2
: a pause for rest : break

Medical Definition

breather

noun
breath·​er ˈbrē-t͟hər How to pronounce breather (audio)
: one that breathes usually in a specified way see mouth breather
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