English · Common Verbs
breaking
/ˈbreɪkɪŋ/
[/ˈbreɪkɪŋ/]
present participle of break
Beginnerverb
Definition
Present participle of 'break': separating something into pieces, happening now.
Example
The waves are breaking gently on the shore as the sun rises over the calm sea.
The waves are breaking gently on the shore as the sun rises over the calm sea.
Etymology
From Old English 'brecan' (to break) plus the '-ing' ending.
How & Where It’s Used
Used in continuous tenses; also appears in 'breaking news'.