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.
The police conducted a search of the residence and ruled out breaking and entering. Amy Woodyatt, CNN, 10 Oct. 2024 Pancake was taken to the Franklin County jail and booked on charges of breaking and entering and vandalism. Greg Wehner, Fox News, 11 July 2024 The insurrectionists broke the law by breaking and entering at the U.S. Capitol, causing delays in certifying election results. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 July 2024 Suspect had long criminal history, records show Hughes served time in prison following multiple felony convictions, including for breaking and entering, fleeing from the police and possession of a firearm, state records show. Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 1 May 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near breaking and entering

Cite this Entry

“Breaking and entering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breaking%20and%20entering. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!