breakfast

American  

[brek-fuhst] / ˈbrɛk fəst /

noun

1. the first meal of the day; morning meal.

   A hearty breakfast was served at 7 a.m.

2. the food eaten at the first meal of the day.

   a breakfast of bacon and eggs.

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verb (used without object)

1. to eat breakfast.

   He breakfasted on bacon and eggs.

verb (used with object)

1. to supply with breakfast.

   We breakfasted the author in the finest restaurant.

breakfast British  

/ ˈbrɛkfəst /

noun

1. 1. the first meal of the day

   2. ( as modifier )

      breakfast cereal

      a breakfast room

2. the food at this meal

3. (in the Caribbean) a midday meal

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verb

1. to eat or supply with breakfast

Other Word Forms

• breakfaster noun
• breakfastless adjective
• postbreakfast adjective

Etymology

Origin of breakfast

First recorded in 1425–75, breakfast is from the late Middle English word brekfast. See break, fast ²

Explanation

Breakfast is the first meal of the day, usually eaten in the morning. Eating a healthy breakfast may give you a boost of energy to start your day. The word breakfast comes from the idea of "breaking the fast" after a night of sleeping. A fast is a period of not eating. During sleep, the body goes without food for hours, so when you eat breakfast, you stop fasting and start eating again, restoring energy for the day ahead. Breakfast foods vary widely depending on culture and personal preference. Eggs, cereal, toast, pancakes, and fruit are commonly eaten for breakfast in some places. In other places, soup, salad, fish, and rice are preferred.

Example Sentences

“The exceptional kitchen includes two La Cornue ranges, a hammered copper and wood island, a sunlit breakfast area, and an adjacent family room, both opening to the patio,” reads the listing.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

The lounging space opens up to the kitchen, which follows the same neutral aesthetic and features state-of-the-art appliances, an island, and a breakfast table.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

Among the choicest: The champion skier from Norway starts his day with a breakfast that his father finds revolting, and he’s “too afraid” of downhill cycling to consider switching sports.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

A well-known face on breakfast TV, Holmes has held a number of broadcasting roles throughout his career, which spans decades.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

She was dangerously thin, I felt, for an expectant mother, and several times I brought her a portion of my own breakfast bread.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

• brunch