breakfast

noun

break·​fast ˈbrek-fəst How to pronounce breakfast (audio)
Synonyms of breakfastnext
1
: the first meal of the day especially when taken in the morning
2
: the food prepared for a breakfast
eat your breakfast
breakfast verb
breakfaster noun

Examples of breakfast in a Sentence

I had pancakes for breakfast. Did you have breakfast before you left?
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.
Tartine is fittingly tucked inside a former funeral home chapel, where breakfast delights such as golden pastries, fresh breads and fruity jams are heaven on Earth. — Carrie Bell, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 The federal program allows those schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to every student, regardless of household income. — Jamal Goss, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 The two were inspired to bring back a mom-and-pop breakfast restaurant to their neighborhood. — Emma Hall august 5, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026 It was downgraded from a 24-hour coffee shop to breakfast and buffet service only because business couldn't support it. — Juhi Doshi, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for breakfast

Word History

Etymology

Middle English brekfast, from the phrase breken fast "to break one's fast, end abstinence from food"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of breakfast was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing breakfast

Browse Nearby Words

breakfall
breakfast
breakfast bar
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Breakfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breakfast. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

breakfast

noun
break·​fast ˈbrek-fəst How to pronounce breakfast (audio)
: the first meal of the day
breakfast verb

More from Merriam-Webster on breakfast

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for breakfast

Nglish: Translation of breakfast for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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