breakout session

noun

plural breakout sessions

: a presentation, discussion, or activity that takes place as part of a larger event (such as a conference, convention, or seminar) and for which some of the event's participants temporarily separate themselves from the others

Wednesday's workshop will include two panel discussions … followed by a breakout session with audience input.

—Robert Miller

With so many attendees, breakout sessions are essential for one-on-one contact.

—Phaedra Hise

Examples of breakout session in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The conference will have panels and breakout sessions discussing how universities, hospitals, and other institutions’ procurement practices aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. —Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025

Programming includes keynote speakers and conversations, panel discussions, and interactive breakout sessions, capped by evening entertainment and gatherings. —Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 11 Sep. 2025

During breakout sessions, participants can tour the nature grounds with experts to learn how to identify native plants and protect natural water sources. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025

Bill Belichick is funny? North Carolina’s new coach had reporters laughing several times during Thursday’s breakout session. —Matt Baker, New York Times, 26 July 2025

These breakout sessions come in three forms, each of which is applicable to a different setting. —Jay Sullivan, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for breakout session

• decompression
• dispossession
• indiscretion
• intercession
• introgression
• nonaggression
• prepossession
• recompression
• repossession
• retrocession
• retrogression
• supersession