breakaway

American  

[breyk-uh-wey] / ˈbreɪk əˌweɪ /

noun

1. an act or instance of breaking away; secession; separation.

   the breakaway of two provinces from a state.

2. a departure or break from routine or tradition.

   a three-day breakaway in the Bahamas.

3. a person or thing that breaks away.

4. an object, as a theatrical prop, constructed so that it breaks or falls apart easily, especially upon impact.

5. Ice Hockey. a sudden rush down the ice by a player or players in an attempt to score a goal, after breaking clear of defending opponents.

6. Football. a run by an offensive player breaking through the defense for a long gain.

7. Basketball. fast break.

8. Australian.

   1. a stampede.

   2. an animal that breaks away from the herd or flock.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or being that which separates or secedes.

   the breakaway faction of the Socialist party.

2. departing from routine or tradition.

3. constructed of such lightweight material or in such a way as to shatter or come apart easily.

   breakaway highway signposts; Build a breakaway set for the barroom brawl.

4. (of theatrical costumes) constructed so as to be quickly removable, as by a performer playing several roles.

breakaway British  

/ ˈbreɪkəˌweɪ /

noun

1. 1. loss or withdrawal of a group of members from an association, club, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a breakaway faction

2. sport

   1. a sudden attack, esp from a defensive position, in football, hockey, etc

   2. an attempt to get away from the rest of the field in a race

3. a stampede of cattle, esp at the smell of water

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verb

1. (often foll by from) to leave hastily or escape

2. to withdraw or secede

3. sport to make a breakaway

4. horse racing to start prematurely

Etymology

Origin of breakaway

First recorded in 1885–95; noun, adj. use of verb phrase break away

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

breakaway

A sprint finish was expected on Wednesday, a flat 161.3km route from Vichy to Nevers, and Cees Bol made the first move as the peloton rolled into the final 500m after catching the day's breakaway.

From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026

Mads Pedersen sprinted clear from a breakaway to win the fourth stage of the Tour de France as defending champion Tadej Pogacar lost the yellow jersey and slipped to fourth.

From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026

The ultra-traditionalist breakaway group with about 600,000 followers worldwide intends to appoint four bishops: two French, one American and one Swiss.

From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026

The game took a turn in the 62nd minute when Belgium’s Nathan Ngoy mishit a weak backpass, sending Taremi on a breakaway with only Courtois to beat.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 21, 2026

A little farther back, Jordie is pumping his fist, like he’s watching a soccer match and I’m on a breakaway.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman

Related Words

• breakup
• separation