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

When Brown was 22 years old, he was charged in at least four separate cases that included shoplifting, larceny, breaking and entering, and felony conspiracy. —Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025

Records from the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction show Brown has a prior criminal history, including convictions for larceny, breaking and entering and armed robbery. —Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025

Brown’s criminal history is more than a decade long and includes felony breaking and entering and robbery with a dangerous weapon, court records show. —Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025

The 34-year-old suspect has a past criminal record, including larceny and breaking and entering charges. —Tonya Simpson, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025

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