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
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.
Brown was taken into custody on breaking and entering, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, injury to real property, obtaining property by false pretenses, and second-degree trespassing charges. Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 26 June 2025 Tracy was charged with breaking and entering into a building to commit a felony, larceny over $1,200, resisting arrest, threats to commit a crime, and possession to distribute a Class E substance. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 23 June 2025 Watch pet dog face-off with bear at California home Bear is a frequent visitor, neighbors say However, a tracker is visible on the bear’s neck, indicating that it has likely been caught for breaking and entering homes before. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 17 June 2025 Wainwright was serving 10 years for breaking and entering, Hamilton 25 years for armed robbery. Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for breaking and entering

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breaking and entering was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Breaking and entering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breaking%20and%20entering. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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