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.
Simmons said another man allegedly tried to break into a 24-hour store by smashing a window while the power was out. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 While the Philippines’ music industry still has a long way to go to compete with Japan, South Korea and China in global market value, both SB19 and BINI have already laid years of groundwork to break into larger mainstream-pop conversations. — Jeff Benjamin, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026 Burglars broke into several Chicago businesses overnight, in some cases causing severe damage without stealing anything. — Tara Molina, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 The expansion announcement comes roughly eight years after VDL first established its Hall County operation, breaking into the American production market. — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 13 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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