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.
Despite being made from leather, these flats are also very breathable, thanks to side vents that allow airflow. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026 Arc’teryx said the Sperro SV jacket was developed with Gore-Tex testing expertise and is made to meet Gore-Tex’s durable waterproof, windproof and breathable performance standards. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2026 Wear breathable fabrics, carry a portable fan, stay hydrated and avoid sweat triggers like caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods can take the edge off. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 Aug. 2026 The bedspread gives you all of the fluffy loft without risking overheating, thanks to its breathable down-alternative fill and box-stitch design that keeps it evenly distributed. — Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on breathable

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for breathable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All