break into

phrase

1
: to begin with or as if with a sudden throwing off of restraint
broke into tears
face breaking into a smile
the horse breaks into a gallop
2
: to make entry or entrance into
broke into the house
break into show business
3
: interrupt
break into a TV program with a news flash

Examples of break into in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the two eventually became antagonists, a split that broke into public view in the aftermath of the Palisades fire, which destroyed thousands of homes and left 12 people dead. — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 Two full pallets of collectible cards were stolen, and some cards on a third pallet were also swiped when thieves broke into a FedEx truck, according to police. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 City halls in Marseille, Lille and Angers were broken into, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said Sunday, adding the arrests made had little to do with the student protests. — Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026 For young workers hoping to break into technology or other high-paying industries, those opportunities may help offset the state’s steep living costs. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for break into

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of break into was in the 14th century

Rhymes for break into

See All Rhymes for break into

Browse Nearby Words

break in on
break into
break into a run
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Break into.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20into. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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