# broke

/ˈbɹoʊk/ (US) · /bɹˈəʊk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/broke
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. past tense of break

verb · CEFR A2

the past tense of 'break'.

For teachers: the simple past tense of the irregular verb 'break'.

- He accidentally broke his favorite mug when he dropped it this morning.
- The sudden surge in pressure broke the main water pipe, causing significant flooding in the basement before the valves could be closed.

### 2. having no money

adjective · CEFR A2 · Informal

having no money at all.

For teachers: lacking financial resources; penniless or bankrupt.

- I can't go to the cinema tonight because I'm completely broke until payday.
- After the startup failed, the founders found themselves broke and looking for entry-level positions in a competitive market.

### 3. to act as a broker

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

to arrange a deal or business agreement between other people.

For teachers: to negotiate or arrange a deal, typically as an intermediary.

- The two countries tried to broke a peace deal after years of war.
- The diplomat spent months attempting to broke a ceasefire between the warring factions, though local leaders remained skeptical of the terms.

Usage: Often used in political or high-level business contexts regarding treaties or mergers.

### 4. paper waste

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

paper that is damaged or left over during manufacturing and sent to be recycled.

For teachers: discarded paper or board that is repulped during the manufacturing process.

- The factory collects all the broke to make new sheets of paper.
- Efficient mill management requires the systematic collection of wet and dry broke to minimize raw material costs and reduce environmental impact.

## Examples

- He accidentally broke the window with a ball.
- The old washing machine finally broke after ten years of daily use, so we had to buy a new one.
- Although the negotiator broke the silence with a joke, the tension in the room remained high as both parties reviewed the failed agreement.

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