break wind

1 of 2

phrase

: to expel gas from the intestine

broken-winded

2 of 2

adjective

bro·​ken-wind·​ed ˈbrō-kən-ˈwin-dəd How to pronounce broken-winded (audio)
: affected with or as if with heaves
a broken-winded horse

Word History

First Known Use

Phrase

1538, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

circa 1523, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of break wind was circa 1523

Rhymes for break wind

See All Rhymes for break wind

Browse Nearby Words

breakwater
break wind
break with
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Break wind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20wind. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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