breathing space

noun

: some time in which to recover, get organized, or get going

called also breathing room, breathing spell

Examples of breathing space 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.
This should grant some breathing space for pedestrians on the avenues. Ian Parker, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025 The Fantasy Premier League gameweeks aren’t giving us much breathing space right now. Ben Dinnery, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 Automatic work permit extensions for the spouses of H-1B holders waiting on their renewals will also include more breathing space, with the limit rising from 180 days to 540 days. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 Try to create breathing space around each section or zone of your room. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for breathing space 

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breathing space was in 1545

Dictionary Entries Near breathing space

Cite this Entry

“Breathing space.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breathing%20space. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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