breathing

noun

breath·​ing ˈbrē-t͟hiŋ How to pronounce breathing (audio)
Synonyms of breathingnext
: either of the marks ʽ and ʼ used in writing Greek to indicate aspiration or its absence

Examples of breathing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Covid-19 wasn’t immediately recognized as a disease with airborne transmission with the potential to spread beyond the 6-foot social distancing measure, especially in places with poor ventilation or around activities with heavy breathing. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026 Her baby lies still in her arms, his breathing faintly wheezing. — Fatma Tanis, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026 That gives useful breathing room when markets or exhibition schedules fluctuate. — Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 The most common culprit of drooling during sleep is simple mouth-breathing, said Matthew Walker, a professor of neuroscience and biomedical engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas. — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for breathing

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breathing was in 1696

Phrases Containing breathing

Rhymes for breathing

See All Rhymes for breathing

Browse Nearby Words

breathiness
breathing
breathing capacity
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Breathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breathing. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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