# breathable

/bɹˈiːðəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/breathable
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

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.

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

## Examples

- This cotton shirt is very breathable and comfortable in the summer.
- The new surgical mask is designed to be more breathable while still providing a high level of filtration.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.