breakout

American  

[breyk-out] / ˈbreɪkˌaʊt /

noun

breakouts plural

1. an escape, often with the use of force, as from a prison or mental institution.

2. an appearance or manifestation, as of a disease, that is sudden and often widespread; outbreak.

3. an itemization; breakdown.

   a hotel bill with a breakout of each service offered.

4. an instance of surpassing any previous achievement.

   a breakout in gold prices.

5. the act or process of removing and disassembling equipment that has been used in drilling a well.

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adjective

1. of or constituting a sudden increase, advance, or unexpected success.

   The director has finally scored with a breakout movie.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• breakouts
  plural

Etymology

Origin of breakout

First recorded in 1810–20; noun use of verb phrase break out

Example Sentences

And at the 2026 World Cup, Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias — more commonly known as Vozinha — has become that breakout star.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 26, 2026

He posted about listening to Ella Langley in the car, so the breakout country artist invited him and his friends backstage at a concert.

From Slate • Jun. 25, 2026

Plus, Alex Freeman has a breakout moment, a comeback story for Gio Reyna and a ‘pentagon’ strategy for Team USA.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 24, 2026

“A sustained breakout above 100.64 would confirm an upside move and imply a minimum technical target near 105,” he said.

From Barron's • Jun. 24, 2026

“You’ve got a little breakout there on your forehead. You’re not eatin’ that greasy food you’re selling, are you?”

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy