breaking and entering

noun

: the act of forcing or otherwise gaining unlawful passage into and entering another's building

Examples of breaking and entering in a Sentence

The thief was arrested and charged with breaking and entering.

Recent Examples on the Web

Servitto sentenced Smith to 15-50 years for second-degree murder; 86 months to 15 years for fleeing a police officer; 38 months to 10 years for breaking and entering a building with intent, and 1-4 years for larceny in a building. —Christina Hall, Freep.com, 5 Sep. 2025

Milton, 55, most recently pleaded guilty July 2 to breaking and entering, a low-level felony. —Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 3 Aug. 2025

Misunderstandings and shenanigans follow, including at least one instance of breaking and entering. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 31 July 2025

The applicant, who appears to live in New Jersey, has a lengthy criminal record, including charges for breaking and entering, assault, and battery. —Dr. David Maimon, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for breaking and entering

• centering
• mentoring
• decentering

Legal Definition

breaking and entering

noun

: the act of gaining passage into and entering another's property (as a building or vehicle) without privilege or by force

also : the crime of breaking and entering see also burglary