English Reference
Adjective

breathable

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate UK /bɹˈiːðəbəl/ breath·able

adj.allowing air to pass through easily. You use this to describe fabrics that let your skin stay cool or masks that do not make you feel stuffy.

adj.permitting the passage of air or gas through a material. Often used to describe textiles, masks, or environmental conditions.


SIMPLE

This cotton shirt is very breathable and comfortable in the summer.

CONTEXTUAL

The new surgical mask is designed to be more breathable while still providing a high level of filtration.

COMPLEX

Engineers are developing a new type of breathable concrete that allows moisture to escape, preventing the structural decay caused by trapped humidity in coastal environments.

T hat certain physical conditions are necessary for the development of life has been recognised for a long time: distance from the sun, the presence of water, a breathable atmosphere.

The Guardian· 11 Aug 2026

From breathe + -able.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated