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.
The suspect has a criminal record including larceny and breaking and entering charges. ABC News, 12 Sep. 2025 Brown pleaded guilty in 2014 to two charges of felony larceny and breaking and entering. Charlotte Observer, 12 Sep. 2025 Police identified the suspect as Decarlos Brown Jr, 34, who has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for armed robbery, felony larceny, and breaking and entering. Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025 His record includes convictions for theft, breaking and entering in 2013, and armed robbery in 2015. Peter D'abrosca , Stepheny Price , Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 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 18 Sep. 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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