# breakup

/ˈbɹeɪˌkəp/ (US) · /bɹˈeɪkʌp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/breakup
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. end of a relationship

noun · CEFR B1

the end of a romantic relationship or a marriage.

For teachers: the termination of a romantic relationship, partnership, or marriage.

- He took a long holiday to recover after his difficult breakup with his girlfriend.
- The sudden breakup of the high-profile couple sparked intense speculation in the media regarding the division of their shared assets.

### 2. division or fragmentation

noun · CEFR B2

the act of a large group or company splitting into smaller parts.

For teachers: the disintegration or division of a large entity, such as a corporation or political union, into smaller components.

- The breakup of the large company led to several smaller, independent businesses.
- Historians continue to debate the long-term geopolitical consequences resulting from the breakup of the Soviet Union in the early nineties.

### 3. seasonal ice melting

noun · CEFR C1 · Dialect

the time of year when ice on rivers or lakes starts to melt and break apart.

For teachers: the seasonal disintegration of ice on bodies of water, typically marking the transition from winter to spring in northern climates.

- The villagers watched the river closely during the spring breakup to prepare for possible flooding.
- During the annual breakup, the thunderous sound of shifting ice floes can be heard for miles across the tundra.

Usage: Commonly used in Canadian and Alaskan English to refer to the spring season.

Teaching tip: This is a regional term; in most other English-speaking areas, people simply say 'the thaw' or 'spring'.

## Examples

- She is still feeling sad after her recent breakup.
- The band's breakup shocked fans who were expecting a new world tour announcement this summer.
- Economic analysts predicted that the breakup of the massive telecommunications monopoly would lead to increased competition and lower prices for consumers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.