borrowing

noun

bor·​row·​ing ˈbär-ə-wiŋ How to pronounce borrowing (audio)
ˈbȯr-
Synonyms of borrowingnext
: something borrowed
especially : a word or phrase adopted from one language into another

Examples of borrowing in a Sentence

He's compiling a list of Japanese borrowings in English. Students must have their own pencils. Borrowing is not allowed. Economists predict that there will be increases in government borrowing.
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.
Should the state not come through, the school district risks deeper cuts or short-term borrowing. — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026 As last week demonstrated, this is a recipe for confusion, uncertainty, and higher borrowing costs. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 Bessent since taking office has relied on bills, which mature in up to a year, to meet the government’s increasing borrowing needs. — Greg Ritchie, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026 Deposits are borrowed against, and the borrowings are put to work. — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for borrowing

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of borrowing was circa 1598

Rhymes for borrowing

See All Rhymes for borrowing

Browse Nearby Words

borrower
borrowing
borrowing days
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Borrowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/borrowing. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

borrowing

noun
bor·​row·​ing ˈbär-ə-wiŋ How to pronounce borrowing (audio)
ˈbȯr-
: something borrowed
especially : a word or phrase adopted from one language into another
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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