noun
breather
BREE-thuh
Breather (noun) means a short break or pause to rest. Example: “Let's take a breather before we tackle the next hill.”
noun
1
A short break or pause to rest.
"I took a breather and decided not to ruin my life"
— “Spike Island”, Spike Island (2025)
"After a short breather she was ready to continue up the hill."
"Let's take a breather before we tackle the next hill."
2
A vent that lets air in or out of an enclosed mechanical space, such as a crankcase.
"The mechanic checked the engine's breather for blockages."
How to use breather
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA short rest, or a mechanical air vent — most often you'll meet the "quick rest" sense.
When to use it
The "quick rest" sense is informal.
Common pairings
take a breather
catch a breather
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Word forms
- Plural
- breathers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Let's take a _____ before we tackle the next hill.
Etymology
From breathe + the agent suffix -er.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for breather
See all rhymes for breather →Frequently asked questions
What does “breather” mean?
The word “breather” means a short break or pause to rest. In plain terms, a short rest, or a mechanical air vent — most often you'll meet the "quick rest" sense.
How do you pronounce “breather”?
“Breather” is pronounced BREE-thuh (/ˈbɹiː.ðə(ɹ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “breather” in a sentence?
Here is “breather” used in a sentence: “Let's take a breather before we tackle the next hill.”
What is another word for “breather”?
Words with a similar meaning to “breather” include moratorium and recess.
What part of speech is “breather”?
“Breather” is a noun.
How many meanings does “breather” have?
“Breather” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short break or pause to rest.
