breaker

1 of 2

noun (1)

break·​er ˈbrā-kər How to pronounce breaker (audio)
plural breakers
Synonyms of breakernext
1
a
: someone or something that breaks something
a deal breaker
world record breakers
b
: a machine or plant for breaking rocks or coal
c
chiefly British : someone who breaks up ships or cars for salvage
d
: a device for opening a circuit
specifically : circuit breaker
2
: a wave breaking into foam (as against the shore)
Few things leave you feeling as connected to nature as surfing—whether you're floundering about in the breakers or riding the waves.Ellie Ross
3
: someone who breakdances : breakdancer
While the first generation of breakers who started in the early 1970s aged out within five years, newer generations in their early teens were coming up and seeking out others who kept the dance alive on their own blocks in New York City.Imani Kai Johnson

breaker

2 of 2

noun (2)

brea·​ker ˈbrā-kər How to pronounce breaker (audio)
: a small water cask

Examples of breaker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Up next, Rahim stars in Fred Cavayé’s ambitious upcoming adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic Les Misérables in the role of Inspector Javert, the nemesis of ex-convict and parole breaker protagonist Jean Valjean (Vincent Lindon) who is obsessed with tracking him down. Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2026 Missing vacuum breaker from non chemical side of splitter at mop sink. Staff Reports, Florida Times-Union, 24 Mar. 2026 The bulk of those years were led by program history-breakers, including Blue Springs South alum Justin Pitts and Manhattan, Kansas native Trevor Hudgins. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2026 Officials with the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco also issued 12 new notices to appear to spring breakers, resulting in a total of 29 notices being handed out since the season began. Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for breaker

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

by folk etymology from Spanish barrica

First Known Use

Noun (1)

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breaker was in the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Breaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breaker. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

breaker

noun
break·​er
ˈbrā-kər
1
: a person or thing that breaks something
2
: a wave breaking into foam against the shore

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