breakage

noun

break·​age ˈbrā-kij How to pronounce breakage (audio)
1
: loss due to things broken
2
a
: the action or an instance of breaking
b
: a quantity broken

Examples of breakage in a Sentence

The pots are transported carefully to reduce the risk of breakage. The pots are transported carefully to reduce the number of breakages.
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.
These styles can be worn for weeks at a time, protecting the hair from breakage, exposure to the elements or day-to-day heat styling. Kaitlyn Schwanemann, NBC News, 3 Mar. 2025 Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). Siena Gagliano, Allure, 1 Mar. 2025 Non-tempered glass will, over time, develop a significant risk of breakage, which would ruin a meal and could possibly injure a home cook. Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2025 Low light levels, on the other hand, can make succulent stems stretch and lean toward the light, increasing the chances of breakage. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for breakage

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of breakage was in 1769

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Cite this Entry

“Breakage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breakage. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

breakage

noun
break·​age ˈbrā-kij How to pronounce breakage (audio)
1
a
: the action of breaking
b
: a quantity broken
2
: an allowance for things broken

More from Merriam-Webster on breakage

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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