break dancing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, but standard in cultural and journalistic contexts.
Quick answer
What does “break dancing” mean?
A style of acrobatic and rhythmic street dance that originated in the 1970s, involving spins, footwork, and athletic floor moves, often performed to hip-hop or funk music.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A style of acrobatic and rhythmic street dance that originated in the 1970s, involving spins, footwork, and athletic floor moves, often performed to hip-hop or funk music.
More broadly, refers to the subculture and competitive activity surrounding this dance form, characterized by improvisation, individual style, and a display of physical skill.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is standard in both varieties. 'Breakdancing' (one word) is more common in American usage, while 'break dancing' (two words) is slightly more common in British usage, though both forms are understood everywhere.
Connotations
In both regions, it strongly connotes 1980s/90s street culture, hip-hop origins, and athleticism. In the US, it is more directly linked to its Bronx, New York origins.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the cultural origin. In both, it's a period-specific term but remains the standard name for the dance style.
Grammar
How to Use “break dancing” in a Sentence
[Noun] do/perform break dancing[Noun] is good at break dancinga session of break dancingthe art of break dancingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “break dancing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He learned to breakdance in his youth.
- They were break-dancing on the paved square.
American English
- He used to breakdance competitively.
- The kids are breakdancing on the sidewalk.
adverb
British English
- Not typically used.
American English
- Not typically used.
adjective
British English
- He showed off his break dancing prowess.
- The break-dancing scene was vibrant.
American English
- She joined a breakdancing crew.
- The breakdancing competition was fierce.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in contexts of event planning or youth marketing.
Academic
Used in cultural studies, sociology, or performance arts papers discussing urban culture.
Everyday
Common when discussing hobbies, music, 80s/90s nostalgia, or street performances.
Technical
Used precisely in dance instruction, choreography, and documentation of hip-hop culture.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “break dancing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “break dancing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “break dancing”
- Misspelling as 'breakdacing'.
- Using it as a verb incorrectly (use 'breakdance').
- Confusing it with 'krumping' or 'popping' which are different hip-hop styles.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They mean the same thing. 'Breakdancing' is a common closed compound, especially in American English, while 'break dancing' is often written as two words. Both are correct.
Yes, while its peak mainstream popularity was in the 1980s, it remains a foundational and vibrant global subculture, with international competitions and a strong presence in hip-hop.
Key components include 'toprock' (standing steps), 'downrock' or 'footwork' (floor moves), 'power moves' (acrobatic spins like windmills), and 'freezes' (striking a held pose).
The noun is 'break dancing'. The verb is typically 'breakdance' (one word, e.g., 'He can breakdance'). Using 'break dance' as a verb is less common.
A style of acrobatic and rhythmic street dance that originated in the 1970s, involving spins, footwork, and athletic floor moves, often performed to hip-hop or funk music.
Break dancing is usually informal, but standard in cultural and journalistic contexts. in register.
Break dancing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbreɪk ˌdɑːnsɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbreɪk ˌdænsɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Throw down (a challenge in a break dancing battle)”
- “Pop and lock (a related but different style)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: They 'break' the usual rules of dance with acrobatics on a 'break' in the music.
Conceptual Metaphor
DANCE IS BATTLE (e.g., 'battle', 'crew', 'challenge'), DANCE IS ATHLETICS (e.g., 'moves', 'power moves', 'train').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a more specific, technical synonym for 'break dancing' used within the dance community?