breathable

adjective

breath·​able ˈbrē-t͟hə-bəl How to pronounce breathable (audio)
Synonyms of breathablenext
1
: suitable for breathing
breathable air
2
: allowing air to pass through : porous
a breathable synthetic fabric
breathability
ˌbrē-t͟hə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce breathable (audio)
noun

Examples of breathable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When the replacement arrived, the new cotton felt stiff, less breathable, and one side seam veered off at an angle, pulling the fabric awkwardly around my body. — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 Revised midsole geometry gives the Nitrofoam Elite more room to operate, and the Ultraweave upper has been made more breathable and lightweight. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 The soft, airy knit is made from a stretchy, breathable fabric that feels like a dream against your skin. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2026 The result is a breathable, water-repellent windbreaker that doesn’t rely on the oil industry or shed microplastics. — Matthew Huff, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for breathable

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of breathable was in 1651

Browse Nearby Words

breath
breathable
Breathalyzer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Breathable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breathable. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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