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

Moore was charged Friday with breaking and entering, resisting an officer and assaulting a government employee. —Charlotte Observer, 2 June 2026

The woman in the video was charged with breaking and entering, resisting a public officer, and assault on a government official or employee, according to a warrant for her arrest issued Friday. —Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 31 May 2026

The inmates were being held on various charges including murder, first-degree robbery, breaking and entering vehicles, first-degree escape, first-degree assault and promoting prison contraband, the sheriff's office disclosed. —Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 31 May 2026

Felony breaking and entering a vehicle/boat nighttime. —Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 31 May 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