# breather

/ˈbɹiðɝ/ (US) · /bɹˈiːðɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/breather
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a short break from an activity to rest or catch your breath. You take a breather when you feel tired or overwhelmed by a task.

For teachers: a brief pause for rest or relaxation during a period of exertion. Typically used with the verb 'take'.

## Examples

- I need to take a breather before we start the next task.
- After hiking uphill for two hours, the group stopped at the summit to take a breather and enjoy the view.
- The manager suggested the team take a quick breather to clear their heads before diving into the final round of negotiations.

## Usage notes

- Typically appears in the phrase 'take a breather'.

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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.