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.
His name is tied to police reports, including a car theft, breaking and entering, and destroying property, sometimes with other kids. Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 31 Mar. 2026 Records from the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction show Brown has a prior criminal history, including convictions for larceny, breaking and entering and armed robbery. Louis Casiano , Cb Cotton, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2026 Felony breaking and entering a vehicle or boat at night. Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026 By pleading no contest to the other two charges, prosecutors agreed to drop the home invasion, breaking and entering, and stalking charges. CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Breaking and entering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breaking%20and%20entering. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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
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