breakage

noun

break·​age ˈbrā-kij How to pronounce breakage (audio)
1
: loss due to things broken
2
a
: the action or an instance of breaking
b
: a quantity broken

Examples of breakage in a Sentence

The pots are transported carefully to reduce the risk of breakage. The pots are transported carefully to reduce the number of breakages.
Recent Examples on the Web Small appliances might break down or minor breakages could occur. Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2024 The hydrogen bonds are more flexible in wet hair and are more susceptible to breakage. Hasina Jeelani, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2024 Starbucks reported $212 million in revenue from breakage in 2022. Dee-Ann Durbin, Fortune, 26 Dec. 2023 Olaplex Strong Days Ahead Hair Kit The hair-strengthening kit contains a bond-maintenance shampoo and conditioner, as well as a bottle of the cult-classic No. 3 Hair Perfector—beloved for its ability to ward off breakage and repair the hair. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2024 Kitsch Silk Pillowcase Silk pillowcases help minimize hair breakage, allow skin to retain moisture while sleeping, and are actually quite cooling — and the Kitsch Silk Pillowcase is one of our favorite budget-friendly options. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 4 Feb. 2024 In an email, a Pyrex representative noted that less than one-tenth of one percent of millions of Pyrex goods sold each year result in thermal breakage. Maggie Burch, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 2024 But the pay-off for going cold turkey–a gradual reduction in breakage over time–is still worth the effort. Hasina Jeelani, Vogue, 19 Jan. 2024 Rosemary oil: Rosemary oil can reduce hair damage and breakage, making hair appear stronger. Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of breakage was in 1769

Dictionary Entries Near breakage

Cite this Entry

“Breakage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breakage. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

breakage

noun
break·​age ˈbrā-kij How to pronounce breakage (audio)
1
a
: the action of breaking
b
: a quantity broken
2
: an allowance for things broken

More from Merriam-Webster on breakage

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