breaktime: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumNeutral to Informal
Quick answer
What does “breaktime” mean?
A designated period, especially during a school day or work shift, when students or employees are allowed to stop their regular activities to rest, eat, or socialize.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A designated period, especially during a school day or work shift, when students or employees are allowed to stop their regular activities to rest, eat, or socialize.
Any scheduled interval for rest or leisure during a period of structured activity. More commonly used in educational contexts in UK English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'breaktime' (or 'break time') is the standard term for a school's mid-morning or afternoon recess. In American English, 'break time' is less specific to schools and more commonly used for work breaks; the preferred term for a school recess is 'recess'.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with childhood/schooling. US: More generic, often associated with adult work environments.
Frequency
Much more frequent in UK English, particularly in spoken language among teachers, parents, and children. In US English, 'recess' or simply 'break' is more common for the school context.
Grammar
How to Use “breaktime” in a Sentence
It is (noun): It is breaktime.Have (noun): We have breaktime at 10:30.At (noun): The children ran outside at breaktime.During (noun): No running is allowed during breaktime.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “breaktime” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The breaktime bell rang across the playground.
- She oversees breaktime activities.
American English
- Breaktime schedules are posted in the cafeteria.
- He brought breaktime snacks for the team.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal: 'Let's discuss this at the afternoon breaktime.' Less common than 'coffee break' or 'lunch break'.
Academic
Used in educational research and school policy documents: 'The study observed social interactions during school breaktime.'
Everyday
Very common in UK family/school conversations: 'Mum, I need new trainers for breaktime.'
Technical
Rare. Might appear in school scheduling software or HR systems for shift workers.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “breaktime”
- Spelling as two words ('break time') is more standard. Using 'breaktime' for a long holiday break (use 'vacation' or 'holiday').
- Overusing in US contexts where 'recess' is more natural for school.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'breaktime' (as a solid compound) and 'break time' (as an open compound) are used, but 'break time' is more common in modern edited writing.
In American English, 'recess' is specifically for schools, especially for younger children, and implies outdoor play. 'Breaktime' is more general. In British English, 'breaktime' is the standard school term, and 'recess' is less common.
Yes, but it's less specific. Terms like 'coffee break', 'lunch break', or 'rest break' are more typical in professional/workplace contexts.
It is neutral but leans slightly informal. It is perfectly acceptable in everyday speech and in documents related to school schedules, but in very formal business or legal contexts, 'scheduled break' or 'rest period' might be preferred.
A designated period, especially during a school day or work shift, when students or employees are allowed to stop their regular activities to rest, eat, or socialize.
Breaktime: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbreɪkˌtaɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbreɪkˌtaɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Make a break for it (at breaktime)”
- “The bell goes for breaktime”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BREAK + TIME = The TIME when you BREAK from work or study.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A CONTAINER (You are 'in' breaktime). A SCHEDULE IS A PATH (Breaktime is a point on the path of the day).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is MOST commonly used for a mid-morning pause in a US elementary school?