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 Web
Andre Shojaie, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
The film tells the story of the birth of IVF, and its journey to becoming a true medical breakthrough in the U.K. in the 1960s and 1970s.
—Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2024
Julia Mueller, The Hill, 2 Nov. 2024
To help with this transformation, Emilia enlists the help of Rita (Zoe Saldaña), a frustrated lawyer looking to break through her industry’s glass ceiling.
—Travis Bean, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for breakthrough 
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Noun
Take Einstein’s breakthrough theories or Steve Jobs’ vision for Apple—these were born out of intuition rather than pure data.
—Andre Shojaie, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
The film tells the story of the birth of IVF, and its journey to becoming a true medical breakthrough in the U.K. in the 1960s and 1970s.
—Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
That’s why experts, who have been working overtime to debunk rumors and break through misinformation online ahead of Election Day, are pointing to how this week’s ballot drop box fires were handled as a positive sign of voting security for 2024.
—Julia Mueller, The Hill, 2 Nov. 2024
To help with this transformation, Emilia enlists the help of Rita (Zoe Saldaña), a frustrated lawyer looking to break through her industry’s glass ceiling.
—Travis Bean, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for breakthrough
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Dictionary Entries Near breakthrough
Cite this Entry
“Breakthrough.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breakthrough. Accessed 14 Nov. 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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