Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

breathable

American  
[bree-thuh-buhl] / ˈbri ðə bəl /

adjective

  1. able or fit to be breathed: breathe.

    filters to make the air more breathable.

  2. allowing the passage of air and moisture.

    a breathable fabric.


breathable British  
/ ˈbriːðəbəl /

adjective

  1. (of air) fit to be breathed

  2. (of a material) allowing air to pass through so that perspiration can evaporate

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • breathability noun
  • breathableness noun
  • unbreathable adjective

Etymology

Origin of breathable

First recorded in 1725–35; breathe + -able

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“That’s why I recommend breathable fabrics, compression socks if you’re prone to swelling, and always layers,” he said.

From MarketWatch

“That’s why I recommend breathable fabrics, compression socks if you’re prone to swelling, and always layers,” he said.

From MarketWatch

The Japanese accomplish subtle scenting with nioi-bukuro, breathable sachets.

From The Wall Street Journal

On top of that, there is constant cosmic radiation and no breathable air.

From Science Daily

Now, there is a glimmer of hope for fresh action in the form of the Clean Air bill, which would enshrine the right to breathable air, tax emitters and offer public information on the sources of pollution.

From Barron's