circuit breaker

noun

: a switch that automatically interrupts the current of an overloaded electric circuit

Examples of circuit breaker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fault currents, which can fry components and cause dangerous arc flashes, are one challenge, requiring new protection measures and solid-state circuit breakers. — Alex Pasternack, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

The scale of the decline triggered a circuit breaker, temporarily halting trading on the exchange — a frequent occurrence this year in a stock market dominated by just two stocks. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026

Every Electric’s team responded by continually updating the battery firmware to reduce the risk of tripping local circuit breakers. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026

Programmers should build a literal conversational circuit breaker. — New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for circuit breaker

• automaker
• boilermaker
• cabinetmaker
• coffeemaker
• troublemaker
• undertaker
• blackacre
• caretaker
• clockmaker
• dressmaker
• filmmaker
• homemaker

Kids Definition

circuit breaker

noun

: a switch that automatically stops the flow of electric current in an overloaded circuit