breathing

[ bree-th ing ]
/ ˈbri ðɪŋ /

noun

Origin of breathing

First recorded in 1350–1400, breathing is from the Middle English word brethynge. See breathe, -ing1

OTHER WORDS FROM breathing

breath·ing·ly, adverb un·breath·ing, adjective

Definition for breathing (2 of 2)

breathe
[ breeth ]
/ brið /

verb (used without object), breathed [breethd] /briðd/, breath·ing.

verb (used with object), breathed [breethd] /briðd/, breath·ing.

Origin of breathe

1250–1300; Middle English brethen, derivative of breath

OTHER WORDS FROM breathe

out·breathe, verb (used with object), out·breathed, out·breath·ing. pre·breathe, verb (used with object), pre·breathed, pre·breath·ing.

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH breathe

breadth breath breathe

Example sentences from the Web for breathing

British Dictionary definitions for breathing (1 of 2)

breathing
/ (ˈbriːðɪŋ) /

noun

the passage of air into and out of the lungs to supply the body with oxygen
a single breath a breathing between words
an utterance a breathing of hate
a soft movement, esp of air
a rest or pause
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

British Dictionary definitions for breathing (2 of 2)

breathe
/ (briːð) /

verb

Word Origin for breathe

C13: from breath

Medical definitions for breathing

breathing
[ brēðĭng ]

n.

The alternate inhalation and exhalation of air in respiration.

Idioms and Phrases with breathing

breathe