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

Convicted of first-degree murder, breaking and entering and robbery in August 1998, jurors agreed the state proved that Steen had broken into the home of a well-to-do elderly widow, Virginia Frost, two years prior. — Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026

James, 53, has since been charged with two felony counts of breaking and entering and one felony count of intentionally intercepting or attempting to intercept wire, oral electronic communication, per Brooke County Magistrate records. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026

Prosecutors said in court that Nikolau and Beerkus are social media influencers who engage in risky behaviors such as breaking and entering and climbing buildings. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 2 July 2026

He was arraigned on Friday in 37th District Court in Warren on one count each of breaking and entering and larceny from a motor vehicle, court records show. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 15 June 2026

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