Word
breaking
Phoneticsbreak·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɹeɪkɪŋ/
UK/bɹˈeɪkɪŋ/
Definitions
01fracturing or snapping
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of something snapping, cracking, or coming apart into pieces.
n. the physical act of fracturing or the state of being broken into parts.
“The breaking of the window glass made a loud noise in the quiet street.”
“The sudden breaking of the structural supports caused the entire roof to collapse before the workers could evacuate the site.”
02street dance
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Informal
n. a style of energetic street dance that includes floor moves and spinning.
n. a style of acrobatic hip-hop dance, often performed to breakbeats, involving intricate footwork and floor-based power moves.
“He started breaking in the park with his friends every Saturday afternoon.”
“The inclusion of breaking in international sporting competitions has sparked debate about whether it should be judged as an art form or an athletic discipline.”
Synonyms
03vowel change
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Linguistics Technical
n. when a single vowel sound changes into two sounds in a word.
n. the sound change where a monophthong develops into a diphthong under the influence of a following consonant or vowel.
“The teacher explained how breaking changed certain words in Old English.”
“Linguists study breaking to understand how the vowel systems of Germanic languages evolved over several centuries.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04musical ornamentation
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Music Technical
n. playing several short notes instead of one long note.
n. a method of ornamentation where a long note is divided into a sequence of shorter, faster notes.
“The flute player used breaking to make the simple melody sound more complex.”
“In Baroque performance practice, breaking allowed soloists to demonstrate their technical virtuosity by elaborating on the written score.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “breaking” in context.
Real-World Examples
“But many say they feel their country's relationship with the US has hit a breaking point, and that it would take a lot for them to return, if at all.” “We don’t always get exactly what we want from our holidays, but the adventure is in breaking away from the familiar.” Domains
- 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
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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