commercial break: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “commercial break” mean?
A short interruption in a television or radio programme for advertisements.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short interruption in a television or radio programme for advertisements.
Any planned pause in content delivery for promotional purposes; metaphorically, an unwanted interruption in a continuous activity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used and understood identically in both varieties. 'Advert break' (UK) and 'commercial break' (US) are both common, though 'commercial break' is understood in the UK and used interchangeably.
Connotations
Neutral in both, though often carries a mild negative connotation of interruption.
Frequency
More frequent in American English; 'ad break' is a common British alternative.
Grammar
How to Use “commercial break” in a Sentence
[Programme] was interrupted by a commercial break.We'll take a commercial break and be right back.The film is shown without commercial breaks.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “commercial break” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The broadcaster will break for commercials.
American English
- The network breaks for a commercial.
adverb
British English
- The show cut away commercial-break style.
American English
- It ended commercial-break quick.
adjective
British English
- The commercial-break timing is regulated.
American English
- The commercial-break schedule is tight.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in media planning and broadcasting scheduling.
Academic
Rare; may appear in media studies discussing the economics of broadcasting.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation about watching TV or listening to radio.
Technical
Used in television production and broadcasting engineering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “commercial break”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “commercial break”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “commercial break”
- Using 'commercial break' for online video ads (prefer 'ad break' or 'skip ad').
- Misspelling as 'comercial break'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Less commonly. 'Ad break' or 'pre-roll ad' is more typical for YouTube, Hulu, etc.
Yes, e.g., 'Let's take a commercial break from this meeting' means a short pause.
A 'station break' is a short pause for station identification, not necessarily for ads, though ads may be included.
Usually between 2 to 4 minutes in television, depending on the country and programme.
A short interruption in a television or radio programme for advertisements.
Commercial break is usually informal to neutral in register.
Commercial break: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈmɜːʃəl breɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈmɜːrʃəl breɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Life doesn't have a commercial break.”
- “I need a commercial break from this conversation.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'break' in your favourite show where they try to sell you something 'commercial'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTINUOUS EXPERIENCE IS A PROGRAMME; INTERRUPTION IS A BREAK.
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase is a British alternative to 'commercial break'?