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
Robert MillerWith so many attendees, breakout sessions are essential for one-on-one contact.—Phaedra Hise
Phaedra HiseExamples of breakout session in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
The evening will include: a presentation by the Plastic Reduction Alliance of Northwest Indiana; small group breakout sessions; networking opportunities; and a collective call to action for a more sustainable region.
—Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025
An opening keynote speaker could adjust the content of her afternoon breakout session.
—Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Design breakout sessions that directly connect skill-building to the new strategy.
—Anjai Lal, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
In the Mark Lohmeyer breakout session, there was a lot of specific discussion of AWS Trainium chips, too.
—Patrick Moorhead, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
There'll be breakout sessions and networking opportunities.
—Mckenzie Rankin, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025
Guests are encouraged to take an interest in these fields of study via the lectures, and also through daily science boat excursions and lab breakout sessions that allow guests to participate in the collection of scientific data.
—Will McGough, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
At the conference, students hear from professionals in law enforcement and engage with them in breakout sessions on a variety of topics.
—Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2025
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Matt Baker, New York Times, 26 July 2025
The evening will include: a presentation by the Plastic Reduction Alliance of Northwest Indiana; small group breakout sessions; networking opportunities; and a collective call to action for a more sustainable region.
—Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025
An opening keynote speaker could adjust the content of her afternoon breakout session.
—Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Design breakout sessions that directly connect skill-building to the new strategy.
—Anjai Lal, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
In the Mark Lohmeyer breakout session, there was a lot of specific discussion of AWS Trainium chips, too.
—Patrick Moorhead, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
There'll be breakout sessions and networking opportunities.
—Mckenzie Rankin, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025
Guests are encouraged to take an interest in these fields of study via the lectures, and also through daily science boat excursions and lab breakout sessions that allow guests to participate in the collection of scientific data.
—Will McGough, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
At the conference, students hear from professionals in law enforcement and engage with them in breakout sessions on a variety of topics.
—Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Breakout session.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breakout%20session. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
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