breaker

1 of 2

noun (1)

break·​er ˈbrā-kər How to pronounce breaker (audio)
plural breakers
1
a
: someone or something that breaks something
a deal breaker
world record breakers
b
: a machine or plant for breaking rocks or coal
c
chiefly British : someone who breaks up ships or cars for salvage
d
: a device for opening a circuit
specifically : circuit breaker
2
: a wave breaking into foam (as against the shore)
Few things leave you feeling as connected to nature as surfing—whether you're floundering about in the breakers or riding the waves.Ellie Ross
3
: someone who breakdances : breakdancer
While the first generation of breakers who started in the early 1970s aged out within five years, newer generations in their early teens were coming up and seeking out others who kept the dance alive on their own blocks in New York City.Imani Kai Johnson

breaker

2 of 2

noun (2)

brea·​ker ˈbrā-kər How to pronounce breaker (audio)
: a small water cask

Examples of breaker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning spring breakers about vacation scams ahead of the hugely popular travel season. Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 14 Mar. 2024 Officials are warning spring breakers, and other beachgoers, to stay away from them. Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2024 Because the testing happens under their own log-in, some fear AI companies, which are still developing methods for monitoring potential rule breakers, may disproportionately crack down on users who bring negative attention to their business. Nitasha Tiku, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024 Even better, since breakers battle head-to-head in a tournament format, there’s no convoluted points system. Sean Gregory, TIME, 5 Mar. 2024 Meanwhile, others pointed out that the video should have been posted in February and that the initiative won’t stop spring breakers from coming to Miami to party. Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024 Spring breakers should be wary of Mexican excursions as cartel violence and unregulated, powerfully laced drugs threaten popular resort towns like Cancun, according to a warning by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico. Chris Eberhart, Fox News, 1 Mar. 2024 That’s not necessarily a deal breaker because there is one right next door. Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2024 For people who like a particular brand or type of frame, this could be a deal breaker. Kelsey Kunik, Verywell Health, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'breaker.' 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

Noun (2)

by folk etymology from Spanish barrica

First Known Use

Noun (1)

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breaker was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near breaker

Cite this Entry

“Breaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breaker. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

breaker

noun
break·​er
ˈbrā-kər
1
: a person or thing that breaks something
2
: a wave breaking into foam against the shore

More from Merriam-Webster on breaker

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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