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break

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noun [countable] American English pronunciation: break /breɪk/ 
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singularbreak
pluralbreaks
 
  1. 1
    a short period of time when you stop what you are doing so that you can eat or rest

    Doctors and nurses worked 18 hours without a break.

    break from:

    A short nap can provide a much needed break from daily stress.

    have/take a break:

    We decided to take a short break.

    a lunch/coffee etc. break:

    They usually go shopping during their lunch break.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  breakThesaurus entry for this meaning of break
    1. a.
      [usually singular] a rest from the work or job that you usually do

      I could do with a break (=I need one).

      break from:

      The art class is the only time I can get a break from the kids.

      have/take a break (from):

      I decided to take a break from college and do some traveling.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  breakThesaurus entry for this meaning of break
    2. b.
      a short vacation

      a weekend break for two in Boston

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  breakThesaurus entry for this meaning of break
    3. c.
      [usually singular] British a period of time when most people do not go to work

      the Easter/Christmas break

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  breakThesaurus entry for this meaning of break
  3. 3
    a time at which one thing ends completely and a new thing begins

    Clinton represented a decisive break after 12 years of Republican dominance.

    break with:

    a break with the past

    make the break (=finally leave a job, relationship, etc.):

    a story about a woman who makes the break from an abusive relationship

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  breakThesaurus entry for this meaning of break
    See also  clean
  5. 5
    a space in something such as a line of traffic

    He waited for ages for a break in the traffic.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  breakThesaurus entry for this meaning of break
  8. 8
    [usually singular] an opportunity that helps you to be successful

    a lucky break

    Kiefer’s big break came with the movie Stand By Me.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  breakThesaurus entry for this meaning of break

This is the American English definition of break. View British English definition of break.

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