breather

noun

breath·​er ˈbrē-t͟hər 

1

: one that breathes

2

: a break in activity for rest or relief

3

: a small vent in an otherwise airtight enclosure

Synonyms

• pause
• lull
• breath
• break

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Likewise, if two infants are laid side-by-side, the stronger breather will entrain the breathing of the weaker. —Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025

Between July 2-16 the Red Sox will not play any games at Fenway, first going on the road for nine games before taking a breather for the All-Star break. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025

As the story follows Edwards' escapades in Frankfurt, Geneva, Vienna, Budapest and Munich, Kitsch gives Pratt a partial breather. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025

The hall tree is perfect for stashing shoes and storage baskets, hanging up coats and backpacks, and even taking a breather to sit down after coming through the door. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for breather

• either
• neither

Kids Definition

breather

noun

breath·​er ˈbrē-t͟hər 

1

: one that breathes

2

: a pause for rest : break

Medical Definition

breather

noun

breath·​er ˈbrē-t͟hər 

: one that breathes usually in a specified way see mouth breather