break-in

noun \ ˈbrāk-ˌin \

Updated on: 18 Apr 2018

Definition of break-in

1 : the act or action of breaking in

a rash of break-ins at the new apartment house

2 : a performance or a series of performances serving as a trial run

3 : an initial period of operation during which working parts begin to function efficiently

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First Known Use of break-in

1856

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

break in

verb

Definition of break in

intransitive verb

1 : to enter something (such as a building or computer system) without consent or by force

2 a : intrude

break in upon his privacy

b : to interrupt a conversation

3 : to start in an activity or enterprise

breaking in as a cub reporter

transitive verb

1 : to accustom to a certain activity or occurrence

break in the new clerk

2 : to overcome the stiffness or newness of

break in a pair of shoes

See break in defined for kids

Examples of break in in a Sentence

the burglars broke in by smashing a window
he rudely broke in to drop the names of several celebrities that he had met

Recent Examples of break in from the Web

The two took a break in a grassy area along the harbor.

— brittany britto, baltimoresun.com, "Light City Baltimore's opening night brings the crowd to the Inner Harbor," 14 Apr. 2018
At the other end, Cavs ball, there’s a break in the action.

— nat newell, Indianapolis Star, "5 things to know about the Cavaliers ahead of matchup with Pacers," 11 Apr. 2018
Marilyn Garner, who works in the Lake County Auditor’s office, used a break in the day to cast her ballot.

— carrie napoleon, Post-Tribune, "Early voting starts for May primary in Lake County," 11 Apr. 2018
During a break in the meeting, Charlotte attorney Meg Maloney, who is representing the former employees, said one of the women forwarded Conti's photos.

— michael gordon, charlotteobserver, "NC yoga teacher accused of harassment responds on Instagram wearing only a towel," 10 Apr. 2018
The report says this is because mothers are more likely to have taken a break in employment, which affects their pay, though the perception that women with children choose to work less is often false.

— jennifer larino, NOLA.com, "Here's why you can't 'explain away' the gender wage gap in Louisiana, U.S., report says," 10 Apr. 2018
Lindsey joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975, took a break in 1987, and then returned in 1996.

— jennifer aldrich, Country Living, "Fleetwood Mac Just Fired Guitarist Lindsey Buckingham Over a Tour Dispute," 9 Apr. 2018
Neighbors have complained and one called the police to his property to report a break in.

— jennifer conn, akron reporter, cleveland.com, "Second Chance Village supporters rally at Akron City Council to support homeless encampment," 9 Apr. 2018
Almost 30 years later, police have had no major breaks in the case.

— juliet muir, NBC News, "Susan Marable still missing 27 years after seen getting into maroon pick-up truck at Yakima, Washington bar," 7 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'break in.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of break in

circa 1535

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

break in Synonyms

Synonyms

burglarize, burgle;

Related Words

invade, trespass;

hold up, loot, plunder, rip off, rob, stick up;

ransack, rifle;

despoil, devastate, maraud, pillage, ravage, sack;

BREAK-IN Defined for English Language Learners

break-in

noun

Definition of break-in for English Language Learners

: the act or crime of illegally entering a house, building, etc., especially by using force

Law Dictionary

break-in

noun \ ˈbrāk-ˌin \

legal Definition of break-in

: the act or action of breaking in

break in

intransitive verb

legal Definition of break in

: to enter something (as a building or computer system) without privilege (as consent) or by force

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break-in

Definition of break-in

First Known Use of break-in

break in

Definition of break in

Examples of break in in a Sentence

Recent Examples of break in from the Web

First Known Use of break in

break in Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

BREAK-IN Defined for English Language Learners

break-in

Definition of break-in for English Language Learners

Law Dictionary

break-in

legal Definition of break-in

break in

legal Definition of break in

Learn More about break-in

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