1 B1 neutral
to enter a building illegally by force
"Someone broke in through the kitchen window last night."
inseparable
break in
B1 neutral mixed transitive/intransitive
to enter by force, interrupt, train something new, or make shoes comfortable by use
In plain English
to get in by force, cut in while someone is talking, or make something new easier to use
What does "break in" mean?
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
to interrupt someone who is speaking or doing something
"I tried to explain, but he kept breaking in."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
to wear or use something new until it becomes comfortable or works properly
"These boots need a few days to break in."
mixed
4 B2 idiomatic neutral
to train a person, animal, or machine for a new role or proper use
"The stable owner is breaking in two young horses this spring."
separable
Usage tip
Very common. Meaning depends strongly on context. For illegal entry, 'break in' is often intransitive; 'break into' is used with the place entered.
Words that pair with "break in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
house conversation shoes horse new staff engine
How to conjugate "break in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
break in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
breaks in
he/she/it
Past simple
broke in
yesterday
Past participle
broken in
have + pp
-ing form
breaking in
continuous
Hear "break in" in the wild
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Other ways to say "break in"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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