breaking

¹ American  

[brey-king] / ˈbreɪ kɪŋ /

noun

1. Phonology. the change of a pure vowel to a diphthong, especially in certain environments, as, in Old English, the change of a vowel to a diphthong under the influence of a following consonant or combination of consonants, as the change of -a- to -ea- and of -e- to -eo- before preconsonantal r or l and before h, as in earm “arm” developed from arm, and eorthe “earth” from erthe.

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breaking ² American  

[brey-king] / ˈbreɪ kɪŋ /

noun

1. break dancing.

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breaking ³ American  

[brey-king] / ˈbreɪ kɪŋ /

adjective

1. (of a news story) currently developing or having happened recently and being released for publication or airing, as on television or radio, in print, or on the internet.

   Our network aims to be your trusted source for breaking news, local weather, and sports.

2. coming into being suddenly.

   When I awoke, it was breaking day over the eastern horizon.

3. changing or collapsing suddenly.

   This is a photograph of a breaking wave in the subantarctic waters of the Southern Ocean.

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breaking British  

/ ˈbreɪkɪŋ /

noun

1. linguistics (in Old English, Old Norse, etc) the change of a vowel into a diphthong

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Etymology

Origin of breaking¹

First recorded in 1870–75; translation of German Brechung; break, -ing ¹

Origin of breaking¹

First recorded in 1980–85; by ellipsis

Origin of breaking¹

First recorded in 1930–35; break ( def. ) (in the sense “to release a news story for publication”) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

As someone who was heavily criticised when he was breaking into the United team two decades ago, he feels it is something the current squad have to live with.

From BBC

They had obtained a warrant to seize the ship, accused of breaking US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil.

From BBC

"I also can't give insider information because also I would be breaking my contract," he said with a smile.

From Barron's

I snagged the seats, breaking into a sweat over the cost but hopeful I could haggle with United later about who would pay for it.

From The Wall Street Journal

This effect occurs when people give higher numerical estimates after breaking a broad question into many smaller parts.

From Science Daily