circuit breaker

noun

: a switch that automatically interrupts the current of an overloaded electric circuit

Examples of circuit breaker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
If a circuit breaker has been tripped, contact an electrician to inspect them before turning them on. Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 10 Oct. 2024 Around 40% of the company’s circuit breakers were installed between 1930 and 1960, according to the audit. Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 24 Sep. 2024 Patil said the ship lost power after circuit breakers tripped in a transformer in the engine room because of excessive vibrations in the transformer and its circuitry. Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 18 Sep. 2024 The assessor says this approach isn’t unusual; 29 states have some form of property tax circuit breaker. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for circuit breaker 

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of circuit breaker was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near circuit breaker

Cite this Entry

“Circuit breaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circuit%20breaker. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

circuit breaker

noun
: a switch that automatically stops the flow of electric current in an overloaded circuit

More from Merriam-Webster on circuit breaker

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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