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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.
"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 notes

In 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

Word forms

breathers plural

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Let's take a _____ before we tackle the next hill.

Etymology

From breathe + the agent suffix -er.

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.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial