break·through
ˈbrāk-ˌthrü 
plural breakthroughs
1
a
: a sudden advance especially in knowledge or technique
a medical breakthrough
b
: a person's first notable success
—often used before another noun
a breakthrough novel
the actress's breakthrough performance
2
a
: an act or instance of moving through or beyond an obstacle
a breakthrough in the talks between the region's leaders
a breakthrough agreement
b
: an instance of passing through a barrier or protection
The ice under the surface begins to deteriorate, increasing the risk of breakthroughs.—
Vicki Winger
Vicki Winger
specifically, medical
: infection occurring in someone who is fully vaccinated against an infectious agent
A vaccine breakthrough occurs when a person tests positive for COVID-19 two weeks after being fully vaccinated against the disease … —David Rasbach
—often used before another noun David Rasbach Two other CDC studies of breakthrough cases at nursing homes showed the vaccines protected residents, even when the virus spread through the homes. —Maura Dolan
Maura Dolan … the academy recently recommended that children receive two doses of the chicken pox vaccine, rather than just one, because the additional dose bolsters immunity and may help reduce breakthrough infection. —Maria Raven
Maria Raven 3
warfare
: an offensive military assault that penetrates and carries beyond a defensive line
broke through; broken through; breaking through; breaks through
: to make a breakthrough
Synonyms
Examples of breakthrough in a Sentence
Noun
Researchers say they have made a major breakthrough in cancer treatment.
The police have announced a breakthrough in the murder case.
This job could be the breakthrough she's been waiting for.
Recent Examples on the WebDamien Scott, Billboard, 19 Sep. 2024
The list recognizes the artists on stage and behind the scenes enjoying a breakthrough year, including exciting talents in acting, writing, production and more.
—William Earl, Variety, 18 Sep. 2024
Ismael El Qudsi, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024
Last month, Russian forces broke through Ukrainian defense lines and rained destruction on residential towns, sparking a major civilian exodus.
—Dominique Soguel, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for breakthrough 
Noun
But the real breakthrough came with 1998’s Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life.
—Damien Scott, Billboard, 19 Sep. 2024
The list recognizes the artists on stage and behind the scenes enjoying a breakthrough year, including exciting talents in acting, writing, production and more.
—William Earl, Variety, 18 Sep. 2024
Verb
Influencers can break through the noise and keep followers on their toes by doing things that are new and unexpected, yet still sticking to their brand.
—Ismael El Qudsi, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024
Last month, Russian forces broke through Ukrainian defense lines and rained destruction on residential towns, sparking a major civilian exodus.
—Dominique Soguel, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for breakthrough
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'breakthrough.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Breakthrough.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breakthrough. Accessed 29 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
breakthrough
noun
break·through
ˈbrāk-ˌthrü
: a sudden advance in knowledge or technique
a breakthrough in medical science
Medical Definition
breakthrough
noun
break·through
ˈbrāk-ˌthrü
: infection occurring in someone who is fully vaccinated against an infectious agent
—often used before another noun
breakthrough infections
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