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
The day will include educational sessions, a student poster session, a trade show and breakout sessions.
—Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025
With the sport experiencing unprecedented chaos, the event’s breakout sessions covered the gamut of issues.
—Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2025
These breakout sessions come in three forms, each of which is applicable to a different setting.
—Jay Sullivan, Forbes.com, 7 July 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
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
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Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025
With the sport experiencing unprecedented chaos, the event’s breakout sessions covered the gamut of issues.
—Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2025
These breakout sessions come in three forms, each of which is applicable to a different setting.
—Jay Sullivan, Forbes.com, 7 July 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
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
Cite this Entry
“Breakout session.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breakout%20session. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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