breath

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing

   I took a deep breath and dived into the pool.

2. 2
   noun

   an indirect suggestion

   not a breath of scandal ever touched her

3. 3
   noun

   a slight movement of the air

   there wasn't a breath of air in the room

4. 4
   noun

   the air that is inhaled and exhaled in respiration

   Your sour breath offended me.

5. 5
   noun

   The act or process of breathing.

   I could hear the breath of the runner behind me.

6. 6
   noun

   A single act of breathing in or out; a breathing of air.

   I took a deep breath and started the test.

7. 7
   noun

   Air expelled from the lungs.

   I could feel the runner's breath on my shoulder.

8. 8
   noun

   A rest or pause.

   Let's stop for a breath when we get to the top of the hill.

Etymology

From Middle English breeth, breth, from Old English brǣþ (“odor, scent, stink, exhalation, vapor”), from Proto-West Germanic *brāþi (“vapour, waft, exhalation, breath”) (compare German Brodem (“haze, vapor; breath”), of a different but related formation).