break ground

phrase

1
: to begin construction
breaking ground on a new wing of the hospital
2
or break new ground : to make or show discoveries : pioneer

Examples of break ground 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.
The building garnered buzz across town, particularly for breaking ground in an area that is still recovering from the effects of Covid-19. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 25 July 2026 Learning Resources has broken ground on a new 700,000-square-foot facility in Vernon Hills that will serve as hand2mind’s primary distribution center. — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026 The stadium broke ground last August and is expected to open sometime in 2028. — Vince Basada july 24, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026 In May, PulteGroup broke ground on its Carolina Ridge neighborhood project, intended to add 1,110 homes to Midland. — Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for break ground

Word History

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of break ground was in 1673

Rhymes for break ground

See All Rhymes for break ground

Browse Nearby Words

breakfront
break ground
breakhead
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Break ground.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20ground. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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