Definitions
01ocean wave
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a large wave that collapses into white foam as it hits the shore or a rock.
n. a heavy sea wave that breaks into white foam upon reaching the shore or a shallow reef.
“The sound of the breakers hitting the rocks kept us awake all night.”
“Experienced sailors watch for breakers on the horizon, as they often signal the presence of dangerous submerged reefs or sandbars.”
02vehicle recycler
C1 · Advanced Countable noun British English
n. a person or business that buys old or damaged cars to take them apart and sell the pieces.
n. a person or commercial yard specializing in the dismantling of machinery or vehicles to salvage functional components.
“I managed to find a cheap replacement door for my car at the local breaker's yard.”
“The mechanic suggested visiting a breaker to source a vintage transmission that is no longer in production by the original manufacturer.”
Synonyms
03breakdancer
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal
n. a person who performs breakdancing.
n. a practitioner of breakdancing, typically associated with hip-hop culture.
“The breakers performed incredible spins on a piece of cardboard in the park.”
“The competition drew breakers from across the country, each showcasing a unique blend of athletic power moves and rhythmic footwork.”
Synonyms
04industrial machine
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technology Technical
n. a heavy machine used to crush rocks or coal into smaller pieces.
n. a mechanical device designed to crush or fragment large masses of material, such as ore, rock, or coal.
“The mining company installed a new rock breaker to speed up production.”
“The primary breaker reduced the granite boulders to manageable sizes before they were transported to the secondary processing plant.”
Synonyms
05radio greeting
C2 · Proficiency American English · Informal · Archaic
interj. a word used to start a conversation on a CB radio.
interj. a conventional call used to initiate communication or request a response on a Citizens Band radio frequency.
“Breaker one-nine, does anyone have a report on the traffic ahead?”
“The driver keyed the microphone and uttered a standard breaker to check if any other operators were within range on the highway.”
Real-World Examples
“On TikTok, the term “beige flag” is being used to describe romantic partners’ quirks that are less than a deal breaker, but not exactly a plus.” “For Woodin, this is a deal breaker: “What this is saying is, it’s doomed.”
The other main players are all still digesting Woodin’s proof.” “Is getting the ick really a deal breaker?” Etymology
From Middle English breker, brekere, equivalent to break + -er. Cognate with Dutch breker, German Low German Breker, German Brecher.
Probably from Spanish barrica (“barrel”). Doublet of barrique.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/breaker
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0