breathing

breath-ing · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The process of taking air into and expelling it from the lungs.

  2. 2.

    Taking air into the lungs and releasing it (from "breathe").

  3. 3.

    A single instance or manner of respiration.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    breathing room — space or time to relax or recover
  • •
    breathing space — time to rest or think
  • •
    heavy breathing — labored respiration; also used suggestively
  • •
    breathing down someone's neck — watching someone too closely

Related words

See also: breath, breathe, respiration
Synonyms: exhalation, inhalation, respiration

Etymology

From Old English "brēthung," the verbal noun from "brēathan" (to breathe), related to "brǣth" (breath, odor).