(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
A ~ is a short quick breath of air that you take in through your mouth, especially when you are surprised, shocked, or in pain.
An audible ~ went round the court as the jury announced the verdict...
She gave a small ~ of pain.
N-COUNT: usu with supp
2.
When you ~, you take a short quick breath through your mouth, especially when you are surprised, shocked, or in pain.
She ~ed for air and drew in a lungful of water...
I heard myself ~ and cry out.
VERB: V for n, V, also V with quote
3.
You describe something as the last ~ to emphasize that it is the final part of something or happens at the last possible moment.
...the last ~ of a dying system of censorship...
PHRASE: usu PHR of n, PHR n emphasis