breaker

1 of 2

noun (1)

break·​er ˈbrā-kər How to pronounce breaker (audio)
plural breakers
Synonyms of breakernext
1
a
: someone or something that breaks something
a deal breaker
world record breakers
b
: a machine or plant for breaking rocks or coal
c
chiefly British : someone who breaks up ships or cars for salvage
d
: a device for opening a circuit
specifically : circuit breaker
2
: a wave breaking into foam (as against the shore)
Few things leave you feeling as connected to nature as surfing—whether you're floundering about in the breakers or riding the waves.Ellie Ross
3
: someone who breakdances : breakdancer
While the first generation of breakers who started in the early 1970s aged out within five years, newer generations in their early teens were coming up and seeking out others who kept the dance alive on their own blocks in New York City.Imani Kai Johnson

breaker

2 of 2

noun (2)

brea·​ker ˈbrā-kər How to pronounce breaker (audio)
: a small water cask

Examples of breaker in a Sentence

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.
Noun
The second goal was a back-breaker, with the Tommies turning the puck over at their own blue line and surrendering a breakaway goal. Dean Spiros, Twin Cities, 22 Feb. 2026 Other signs that electrical components are overheating include frequent breaker trips, or a burning or fishy odor. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026 Wynwood Before beaches fill with spring breakers and Ocean Drive hits peak congestion, there’s a creative side of the city—just north of downtown, in Wynwood—hitting its sweet spot, ripe for exploring. Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026 Meanwhile, makeup artists think spring breakers will pack their best cushion-y, cloud lips instead of their icy alternatives. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for breaker

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

by folk etymology from Spanish barrica

First Known Use

Noun (1)

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breaker was in the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Breaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breaker. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

breaker

noun
break·​er
ˈbrā-kər
1
: a person or thing that breaks something
2
: a wave breaking into foam against the shore

More from Merriam-Webster on breaker

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster