breaking and entering

noun

: the act of forcing or otherwise gaining unlawful passage into and entering another's building

Examples of breaking and entering in a Sentence

The thief was arrested and charged with breaking and entering.
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.
Blanco faces six charges, including two counts police identified as assault with intent to commit murder, felony assault, breaking and entering into an occupied dwelling of a person 60 or older, and two weapons charges. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 In exchange for his plea, prosecutors dropped third-degree felony charges of home invasion, stalking and breaking and entering. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2026 The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Prince Kaka of High Point, was arrested him and charged him with felony breaking and entering, felony larceny after breaking and entering, and resisting arrest, officials said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026 James, 53, has since been charged with two felony counts of breaking and entering and one felony count of intentionally intercepting or attempting to intercept wire, oral electronic communication, per Brooke County Magistrate records. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for breaking and entering

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breaking and entering was in 1598

Rhymes for breaking and entering

See All Rhymes for breaking and entering

Browse Nearby Words

breaking
breaking and entering
breaking ball
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Cite this Entry

“Breaking and entering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breaking%20and%20entering. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Legal Definition

breaking and entering

noun
: the act of gaining passage into and entering another's property (as a building or vehicle) without privilege or by force
also : the crime of breaking and entering see also burglary
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