broken

adjective

bro·​ken ˈbrō-kən How to pronounce broken (audio)
1
: violently separated into parts : shattered
broken windows
2
: damaged or altered by or as if by breaking (see break entry 1): such as
a
: having undergone or been subjected to fracture
a broken leg
b
: not working properly
a broken camera
c
of land surfaces : being irregular, interrupted, or full of obstacles
a long broken ridge
d
: violated by transgression : not kept or honored
a broken promise
e
: discontinuous, interrupted
a broken sleep
f
: disrupted by change
g
of a tulip flower : having an irregular, streaked, or blotched pattern especially from virus infection
3
a
: made weak or infirm
his old, broken body
b
: subdued completely : crushed, sorrowful
a broken heart
a broken spirit
c
d
: reduced in rank
was broken from sergeant to private
4
a
: cut off : disconnected
spoke a few broken words
b
: imperfectly spoken or written
broken English
5
: not complete or full
a broken bale of hay
6
: disunited by divorce, separation, or desertion of one parent
children from broken homes
a broken family
brokenly adverb
brokenness noun

Examples of broken in a Sentence

The street was covered with broken glass. a broken vase that could not be repaired
Recent Examples on the Web After all, it’s been decades (word of advice: don’t mention how long her career has been) that she’s racked up a steady stream of chart-toppers and broken records. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 18 Nov. 2023 Since the show debuted on the streaming service, it's gained a new audience and broken records. Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 17 Nov. 2023 The health care system for the elderly is neglected, broken and inadequate to meet any demands, even the basic needs. Jordan Rau, New York Times, 14 Nov. 2023 The musical will tell the story of Jesse, a successful businesswoman, mother and wife who is hiding a broken heart. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Nov. 2023 But the reactions at work can also burn the scalp, and the broken skin is then vulnerable to other potentially harmful ingredients that these products may contain, such as parabens and phthalates. Syris Valentine, Scientific American, 14 Nov. 2023 Sunrise had occurred after the fire’s start, so light focused through broken glass couldn’t have been a cause. John Riha, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2023 The deputy suffered a broken pelvis and remains hospitalized but is expected to survive, Moore said. James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2023 But this has been exacerbated by a broken political system. Fortune Editors, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'broken.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English brocen, from past participle of brecan to break

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of broken was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near broken

Cite this Entry

“Broken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broken. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

broken

adjective
bro·​ken ˈbrō-kən How to pronounce broken (audio)
1
: shattered into pieces
broken glass
2
a
: rough entry 1 sense 1a, uneven
broken terrain
b
: having gaps or breaks
a broken line
3
: not kept
a broken promise
4
: subdued completely
a broken spirit
5
: imperfectly spoken
broken English
6
: having undergone fracture
a broken leg
7
: having one parent missing (as because of divorce)
children from broken homes
brokenly adverb
brokenness noun

Medical Definition

broken

adjective
bro·​ken ˈbrō-kən How to pronounce broken (audio)
: having undergone or been subjected to fracture
a broken leg

Legal Definition

broken

past participle of break

More from Merriam-Webster on broken

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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