Breaking
/ˈbreɪkɪŋ/
verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral
Idiom
Meanings
Question
Definitions
2 meanings1
To separate or become separated into pieces as a result of force or impact.
/ˈbreɪkɪŋ/
verbneutralBeginner
General
To separate or become separated into pieces.
The glass broke into a million pieces.
💡 Simply: To shatter or crack something.
More Examples
2
The waves were breaking on the shore.
How It's Used
General
"The vase broke when it fell."
Sports
"He broke the world record."
2
Interrupting other activities or programs to announce important news.
/ˈbreɪkɪŋ/
adjectiveneutralIntermediate
General
Giving important news or information.
We received breaking news about the election.
💡 Simply: Important and urgent news.
More Examples
2
The reporter announced a breaking story.
How It's Used
News
"Breaking news: The president has resigned."
Tip:News that interrupts other activities.
Idioms & expressions
break a leg
Good luck!
"Break a leg tonight!"
From the present participle of the verb "break", ultimately from Proto-Germanic *brekan.
The use of "breaking" as an adjective to describe news became prominent in the 20th century with the rise of broadcast journalism.
Memory tip
Think of something breaking apart.
Practice
Base: break
brakingbreacking
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written