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

• break
• breath
• interruption
• lull
• pause
• recess

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

Here’s how: Take a breather in Gülhane Park Escape from the Old City crowds with a quick stroll under the sycamore and cypress trees in this leafy urban green space. —Carolyn Heller, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

In other words, take this day to grab a breather and enjoy some time out. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 11 Apr. 2025

French President Emmanuel Macron wants European businesses to take a breather from investing in the U.S., at least until President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs have more clarification. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 7 Apr. 2025

Hunting for a tying goal in the third, Rangers coach Peter Laviolette gave the top two lines a breather and sent out Sam Carrick, Jonny Brodzinski and Kreider — all guys who have scored a few this season. —Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 17 Mar. 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