broken record

noun

: a damaged record that repeats part of a recording over and over again

—used figuratively in describing something (such as a statement or experience) that is frequently or tediously repeated

The Devil Rays' season of broken dreams has become a broken record. Loss after loss after loss after loss …—

Joey Johnston, Tampa (Florida) Tribune, 26 May 2001

I know I sound like a broken record but I'll say it again: I believe that it is virtually impossible to predict mortgage rates over the short term.—

Henry Savage, Washington Times, 8 June 2001

It's beginning to sound like a broken record. The Blackhawks' power play needs to become a factor in this Stanley Cup Final series starting with Game 4 on Wednesday …—

Tim Sassone, Chicago Daily Herald, 19 June 2013

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of broken record was in 1936

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Broken record.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broken%20record. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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